Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi's Air Quality 'Hazardous' Post-Diwali, AQI Crosses 900 in Several Areas

Following the festive celebrations of Diwali, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated sharply, reaching 'hazardous' levels across the capital. On Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 900 in multiple locations, making breathing extremely difficult and posing severe health risks to residents.

Worst-Hit Areas

Chanakya Place recorded an alarming AQI of 979, the highest in Delhi, while Naraina Gaon followed closely at 940. Other severely affected areas included Tigri Extension (928), Neeti Bagh (768), Soami Nagar North (741), Pocket A Sector 13 (769), East Patel Nagar (618), Ranjit Nagar (609), Punjabi Bagh (519), and Hari Nagar (518), all registering 'very poor' air quality. Wazirpur (408), Jahangirpuri (401), and Bawana (417) also reported 'severe' AQI levels.

Widespread Deterioration

Many other parts of the city saw AQI levels above 350, including Vivek Vihar (361), Sonia. Vihar (356), NSIT Dwarka (387), Pusa (351), Okhla Phase-2 (348), North Campus (346), Patparganj (343), R. K. Puram (371), Rohini (366), Shadipur (390), Mundka (350), Najafgarh (334), Narela (351), Nehru Nagar (365), Dilshad Garden (340), ITO (347), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (322), and Lodhi Road (315).

Outlook and Precautions

The stagnant weather conditions, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions are expected to further worsen the pollution. The Delhi government has appealed to citizens to limit the use of private vehicles and opt for public transport. Doctors advise avoiding morning and late evening walks, using air purifiers, and N95 masks. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are urged to take extra precautions and minimize outdoor exposure.