Delhi and its surrounding areas woke up to a dense blanket of smog on Saturday morning, with air quality levels edging dangerously close to the ‘severe’ category across large parts of the national capital.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 390 at 8 am, placing it in the “very poor” category. However, several localities recorded severe pollution levels, raising serious health concerns.
Areas with severe AQI readings included:
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Anand Vihar – 435
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Ghazipur – 435
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Jahangirpuri – 442
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Rohini – 436
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Chandni Chowk – 419
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Burari Crossing – 415
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RK Puram – 404
An AQI above 400 falls under the “severe” category, indicating a high risk of respiratory illness even for healthy individuals, especially with prolonged exposure.
Low Visibility, Rising Health Risks
A combination of thick smog and shallow fog significantly reduced visibility in many parts of Delhi during the early hours. As per CPCB standards, AQI levels between 301 and 400 are classified as very poor, while 401 to 500 are considered severe the most hazardous level.
Experts warn that such pollution levels can aggravate asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, while also impacting cardiovascular health.
Dangerously high AQI readings have become increasingly common during Delhi’s winter months, driven by weather conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and regional factors.
Delhi Airport Issues Advisory
Amid low visibility conditions, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory, assuring passengers that flight operations were currently unaffected.
“Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information,” the airport said in a post on X.
Smog Persists Despite Minor Improvements
On Friday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 386, with thick haze reported in pollution hotspots such as Ghazipur and Anand Vihar, where visibility remained extremely poor.
Despite intermittent marginal improvements in recent weeks, large parts of the capital continue to remain shrouded in toxic smog. The worsening air quality has also triggered political sparring, with parties trading blame over pollution control measures.
Authorities have urged residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor exposure and follow health advisories as conditions remain critical.
