Delhi-NCR air quality remains in ‘very poor’ category, AQI crosses 360-mark in Anand Vihar, Bawana, RK Puram; Check area-wise pollution levels
Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the fourth consecutive day, with AQI reaching 345. The CPCB has warned that pollution levels may worsen, possibly reaching the ‘severe’ category by Sunday, leading to serious health concerns for residents.
Air pollution levels in the capital continued to raise serious concerns, with Delhi recording air quality as ‘very poor’ for the fourth consecutive day. Data from the Air Quality Early Warning System showed the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 345 on Friday morning; this was slightly higher than Thursday’s reading of 343; This shows that there is no significant improvement in atmospheric conditions.
Possibility of Pollution Levels Worsening
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has warned that the situation may continue in the next few days. According to forecasts, air quality is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category until Saturday, with the possibility of deteriorating to the ‘severe’ category on Sunday if weather conditions remain unfavorable.
Experts attribute the persistent pollution to a combination of low wind speed, reduced dispersion, and local emission sources that allow pollutants to accumulate over the city.
Alarming AQI Readings Are Recorded in Various Areas
CPCB monitoring stations across Delhi reported extremely high AQI levels in many districts. Chandni Chowk recorded one of the highest readings at 370, while Vivek Vihar recorded 386. Jahangirpuri and Mundka also reported dangerously high AQI levels of 385 and 383 respectively.
Other severely affected districts include Ashok Vihar (367), Bawana (363), Anand Vihar (354), RK Puram and Rohini (both 374), Punjabi Bagh (370), Wazirpur (374) and Sonia Vihar (368). Even areas generally considered relatively cleaner, such as Lodhi Road and IGI Airport Terminal 3, recorded AQI levels of 323 and 280, placing them in the poor to very poor range.
Health Risks to Vulnerable Groups Are Increasing
The long-term impact of polluted air has begun to significantly impact public health, especially among children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Doctors have reported an increase in cases of difficulty breathing, eye irritation, persistent cough and worsening asthma symptoms.
Health experts advised residents to limit outdoor activities, use masks when going outside and keep windows closed during peak pollution hours. People with respiratory or heart conditions were asked to stay indoors as much as possible.
Call to Authorities to Increase Precautions
As pollution levels remain dangerously high, environmentalists are calling for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, including limiting vehicle emissions, construction dust and industrial pollution.
With the winter season intensifying and weather conditions becoming increasingly unfavorable for the distribution of pollutants, authorities are facing increasing pressure to take immediate action to prevent air quality from falling into the ‘severe’ category in the coming days.
