Delhi AQI Reaches Critical Levels; NCR Cities in ‘Severe’ Category

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated dramatically on Thursday morning, with the capital recording an alarming Air Quality Index of 601 at approximately 5:30 am. This severe pollution surge pushed the National Capital Region into hazardous territory, affecting millions of residents across the metropolitan area.

Hazardous Readings Across NCR

Neighboring cities experienced equally concerning air quality levels, with Noida recording an AQI of 503 and Gurgaon measuring 515 at 7 am—both categorized as ‘severe.’ Over a dozen monitoring stations throughout Delhi registered hazardous air quality readings. Burari, Anand Vihar, Aerocity, and Bawana emerged as the most polluted zones in the capital. Health experts cautioned that breathing this air quality is equivalent to smoking over 8 cigarettes daily, presenting significant health risks to residents.

Seasonal Pollution Crisis

The November pollution spike stems from multiple factors including reduced wind speeds and widespread stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana states. This combination creates a perfect storm for air quality deterioration, making November and December consistently problematic months for the Delhi NCR region. The AQI scale classifies air quality levels as Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderately Polluted (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), and Severe (401–500), with readings exceeding 500 indicating increasingly hazardous conditions.

Health Recommendations

Environmental experts strongly recommend limiting outdoor activities and consistently wearing masks when venturing outside. The prolonged exposure to such severe air pollution can trigger respiratory issues and other health complications, particularly affecting vulnerable populations including children, elderly citizens, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to monitor daily AQI updates and take necessary precautions accordingly.