Delhi is currently enveloped in a dense, toxic haze as pollution levels surge to alarming heights. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has entered the ‘very poor’ category across significant portions of the national capital, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting a 24-hour average AQI of 361. This severe air pollution marks a concerning development for residents as winter conditions begin to establish themselves.
Data paints a grim picture, with a majority of monitoring stations recording AQI levels above 400. Stations in Wazirpur, Bawana, and Vivek Vihar showed particularly high concentrations of pollutants. Hotspots of pollution included Rohini, Nehru Nagar, Bawana, RK Puram, and ITO, where AQI readings were exceptionally high. Neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) are also grappling with the crisis, with Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad experiencing hazardous air quality.
Adding to the environmental concerns, Delhi also experienced a distinct winter chill, with temperatures dipping to 11 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a further drop in minimum temperatures in the coming days. Residents can expect clear skies with morning mist or shallow fog, and minimum temperatures potentially reaching around 10 degrees Celsius. While Delhi contends with poor air quality and dropping temperatures, other regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu anticipate heavy rainfall, and parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are on alert for cold wave conditions.