Delhi Air Quality Remains Very Poor As Multiple Areas Hit Severe Pollution Levels

Current Air Quality

Delhi's overall air quality stayed in the "very poor" category on Wednesday morning, with many parts of the city experiencing "severe" levels of air pollution. Areas like ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana, and Jahangirpuri recorded severe air pollution. Nearby cities and towns in north India, including Noida, Gurugram, and Panipat, also reported "very poor" air quality on the same morning.

AQI Numbers And Forecast

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index of Delhi reached 379 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The index had stood at 350 at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, rising from 324 a day earlier. The Central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi indicates that the overall air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category for three days. The Central Pollution Control Board notes that severe air pollution affects healthy people and causes serious health impacts for those with existing diseases, while a higher AQI points to worsening air quality.

Context

Air pollution in Delhi and the larger Indo-Gangetic Plains typically spikes every winter due to weather conditions like lower wind speeds and dropping temperatures. Additional factors like stubble burning, festive firecrackers, vehicle emissions, and dust further worsen the air during October and November.