Air pollution once again worsened across Delhi on Friday, with the city’s overall air quality slipping into the ‘very poor’ category after showing marginal improvement over the previous two days. According to official data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 310, raising renewed health concerns for residents as meteorological conditions remain unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants.
Pollution Levels Rise Across Most Monitoring Stations
While a brief respite was observed earlier in the week, pollution levels climbed sharply on December 26, with air quality recorded as ‘very poor’ at at least 24 monitoring stations across the national capital. Among the 40 stations monitored, Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar reported the highest AQI levels at 395, placing them at the severe end of the ‘very poor’ spectrum.
Only a few pockets of the city recorded relatively better air quality. The Lodhi Road monitoring station reported an AQI of 185, which falls under the ‘moderate’ category. However, environmental experts cautioned that isolated improvements offer little relief when most parts of the city continue to experience unhealthy air.
Six Days of ‘Very Poor’ Air Likely Ahead
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has projected that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for at least the next six days. This forecast has heightened concerns among public health experts, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
According to the AQEWS, the persistence of high pollution levels is largely driven by low wind speeds and unfavourable weather conditions, which restrict the dispersion of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that the current average wind speed is below 10 kmph, significantly reducing the city’s ability to flush out accumulated particulate matter.
Winter Weather Worsens Pollution Traps
Meteorologists explained that winter conditions often create a pollution trap over Delhi. Cooler temperatures, calm winds, and temperature inversion where cooler air is trapped near the surface beneath warmer air — prevent pollutants from rising and dispersing.
“Low wind speeds combined with shallow mixing layers are allowing pollutants to accumulate near the surface,” an IMD official said. “Unless there is a strong change in weather conditions, such as increased wind or rainfall, air quality is unlikely to improve significantly.”
Dense smog was visible across many parts of the city on Friday morning, reducing visibility and affecting daily activities. Commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians were seen navigating through thick haze during peak morning hours, a recurring winter sight in the capital.
Health Risks Continue to Mount
Under the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, ‘very poor’ air quality can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure and aggravate existing heart and lung conditions. Medical professionals have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise, during high pollution periods.
“Prolonged exposure to AQI levels above 300 can lead to coughing, breathlessness, and increased hospital visits,” said a pulmonologist at a government hospital. “People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be especially cautious.”
Doctors have also recommended the use of masks when stepping outdoors, keeping indoor environments well-ventilated but protected from outdoor pollution, and using air purifiers where possible.
Previous Days Offered Only Brief Relief
Delhi had recorded ‘poor’ air quality over the previous two days, offering a brief improvement from earlier ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ conditions. However, experts warned that such fluctuations are common during winter and should not be mistaken for sustained recovery.
Environmental analysts noted that local pollution sources including vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, and residential heating continue to add to the city’s pollution load, especially when weather conditions prevent natural dispersion.
Long-Term Concerns Persist
Despite periodic emergency measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi’s winter air pollution remains a recurring challenge. Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for long-term structural interventions, including cleaner transport systems, better traffic management, dust control measures, and regional coordination with neighbouring states.
“Short-term actions can reduce peak pollution, but they cannot solve the problem permanently,” an environmental policy expert said. “What Delhi needs is sustained enforcement and systemic changes that address pollution sources year-round.”
What Residents Can Do
Authorities continue to advise residents to stay informed through official AQI updates and follow health advisories. Schools, offices, and outdoor event organisers are also being urged to remain flexible in case pollution levels worsen further.
As Delhi heads deeper into winter, the return of ‘very poor’ air quality serves as a reminder that the city’s battle against pollution is far from over and that relief may depend as much on long-term reforms as on changes in the weather.
