Air quality remains ‘ very poor’, AQI reaches…, IMD issues yellow alert for fog; flight operations disrupted

Delhi’s air quality remained a cause for concern on Friday morning; Pollution levels remained in the ‘very poor’ category across most of the city. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), accessed through the Sameer app, showed that the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 318 at 6:05 am; This was indicative of unhealthy conditions for the residents.

Although the city experienced a slight improvement the day before, with the AQI falling from 302 on Wednesday to 279 on Thursday morning, pollution levels rose again, erasing the short-term relief.

AQI by Area Reveals Pockets of Severe Pollution

Air quality was reported to be very poor in many places in the national capital, with some approaching the severe range. Nehru Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 389, followed by Anand Vihar (382) and RK Puram (380). Hazardous weather continued to occur in other areas such as Okhla Phase-2, Vivek Vihar, Sirifort and Patparganj.

Other hotspots in the very poor category include Dwarka Sector-8, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Chandni Chowk, Mundka, ITO and IIT Delhi, reflecting widespread pollution in both residential and commercial areas.

Meanwhile, air quality in some parts of the city was recorded in the “poor” category. Areas like Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Shadipur, Narela, Lodhi Road, Alipur, Burari Crossing, North Campus DU, Najafgarh, Mandir Marg, Bawana, NSIT Dwarka and IGI Airport Terminal 3 saw slightly lower pollution levels but were unsafe for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Understanding AQI Categories

As per CPCB guidelines, AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as very poor, while values ​​between 201 and 300 fall in the poor category. Such conditions can cause respiratory distress, especially in children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Cold Wave Tightens the Capital

Along with worsening air quality, cold wave conditions continued in Delhi on Friday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a minimum temperature of 5.0 degrees was recorded in the city at 5:30 am, accompanied by light fog and cold north-northwest winds.

The previous day marked the coldest morning of the year so far in Delhi as the temperature dropped to 5.8 degrees. IMD has warned that cold conditions will intensify in northern India by January 15 and a yellow alert has been issued for foggy mornings.

Weather conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy, and light to moderate fog is expected to continue in the coming days.