The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has plummeted to dangerous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital soaring to a hazardous 601 by early Thursday morning. This critical reading surpasses the maximum limit and firmly places the air in the ‘Severe’ category, posing significant health risks to all residents. This severe deterioration signals the onset of the region’s annual smog crisis, exacerbated by dropping temperatures, stagnant winds, and regional pollution sources.
Adjoining NCR cities are also severely affected. Noida recorded an AQI of 503, while Gurgaon registered an alarming 515, indicating a widespread air emergency across the entire region. Numerous monitoring stations across Delhi reported ‘Hazardous’ air quality, with specific hotspots like Burari, Anand Vihar, Aerocity, and Bawana experiencing the worst pollution. Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking over eight cigarettes daily.
The annual pollution spike in November and December is a consequence of stubble burning in neighboring states and unfavorable meteorological conditions. Cooler temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants near the ground, creating a dense, toxic smog. Health authorities strongly advise limiting outdoor activities, wearing N95 or N99 masks, and for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to remain indoors to mitigate serious health risks associated with this severe air pollution.