Delhi AQI Index: Delhi's Air Remains Toxic: Pollution Worsens, AQI Crosses 400 in 12 Areas

Delhi-NCR is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis that continues to make life difficult for its residents, while the air quality in the capital and its surrounding areas remains consistently in the 'very poor' category, posing significant challenges for people to breathe normally. During morning and evening hours, Delhi is often enveloped in a thick blanket of haze, visually confirming the toxic air that permeates the region. This situation not only affects visibility but also has profound and. Immediate impacts on public health, raising widespread concerns among the populace.

Persistent 'Very Poor' Air Quality

The air quality across Delhi-NCR has consistently remained in the 'very poor' category, which is considered highly detrimental to health, while the elevated levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in this category indicate a high concentration of particulate matter and other pollutants in the atmosphere. This condition is particularly hazardous for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The invisible toxins suspended in the air directly impact the lungs and respiratory systems of residents, thereby impeding their daily routines and overall well-being. The persistent 'very poor' rating signifies a prolonged period of unhealthy air, demanding urgent attention.

Serious Health Implications

Due to this severe level of pollution, residents are experiencing a range of serious health problems. Among the most common complaints are breathing difficulties, with many individuals. Reporting a sensation of heaviness in their chest and strained breathing. Plus, eye irritation has become a widespread issue, directly attributable to the pollutants present in the air. Sore throats and persistent coughing are also prevalent, causing continuous discomfort and affecting daily activities, while these symptoms collectively underscore the direct and immediate impact of air pollution on human health, leading to a noticeable decline in the quality of life for those living in the affected regions. The constant exposure to such air can exacerbate existing conditions and trigger new ones.

Key Areas with AQI Above 400

Numerous areas within Delhi have recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding the 400-mark, pushing them into the 'severe' category. According to data from the Sameer app, Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 427, Ashok Vihar 421, Burari Crossing 431, Jahangirpuri 438, Narela 415, Nehru Nagar 405, North Campus 401, Patparganj 400, Punjabi Bagh 412, Rohini 438, Sonia Vihar 403, Vivek Vihar 446, and Wazirpur 449. Also, aqi. in reported Delhi's overall AQI at a staggering 470, further highlighting the gravity of the situation, while these figures clearly indicate that a significant portion of the capital is experiencing extremely alarming levels of air quality, posing an immediate threat to public health and requiring residents to take extreme precautions.

Red Zone: Areas with AQI Above 300

Beyond the localities where the AQI has surpassed 400, several other areas in Delhi-NCR are also categorized as 'Red Zones,' with AQI levels consistently above 300. These include Aya Nagar with an AQI of 340, Chandni Chowk 392, Mathura Road 362, Karni Singh 361, DTU 398, Dwarka-Sector 8 387, IGI Airport 338, Dilshad Garden 320, ITO 384, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 364, Lodhi Road 339, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium 320, Mandir Marg 300, Najafgarh 335, Dwarka 313, Okhla Phase 2 378, Pusa 355, RK Puram 394, Shadipur 331, Sirifort 382, and Alipur 397. These comprehensive readings demonstrate that nearly every corner of Delhi is grappling with significant air pollution, impacting a vast number of residents and necessitating widespread awareness and protective measures.

NCR Cities Also Affected

The severe air pollution isn't confined to Delhi alone but extends to its neighboring NCR cities, which are also experiencing critical air quality levels. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 426, placing it firmly in the. 'very poor' category and even surpassing many areas within Delhi itself. Noida's AQI stood at 396, very close to the 400-mark, also falling into the 'very poor' classification. While Gurugram registered an AQI of 286, which is below 300, it still falls into the 'poor' category and is considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals. These figures underscore that the problem is a regional one, affecting the entire National Capital Region and requiring a coordinated approach to address the widespread environmental challenge.

Dual Challenge: Cold and Pollution

Compounding the severe air pollution, Delhi is also experiencing a steady drop in temperatures, subjecting residents to a dual challenge. According to the meteorological department, Delhi's minimum temperature today is expected to be 11 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius. However, forecasts indicate a further dip in temperatures in the coming days, with the minimum potentially reaching as low as 9 degrees Celsius. This increase in cold means that mornings and evenings will become Importantly chillier, making the combined impact of pollution and cold even more difficult to endure. This combination can exacerbate existing health issues and create new ones, particularly for those already vulnerable to the effects of pollution. The situation remains a significant concern for Delhi-NCR residents, as the combined impact of severe pollution and increasing cold makes daily life increasingly challenging.