Toxic Air Quality Plagues Delhi-NCR, AQI Levels Soar Beyond 500
The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas has reached hazardous levels, with AQI surpassing 500 in many locations.
New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The National Capital Region (NCR) is grappling with alarming pollution levels, transforming the area into a veritable “gas chamber.” Breathing has become increasingly difficult as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in multiple locales of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad approaches dangerous levels above 500.
According to the India Meteorological Department, a thick blanket of smog, a mix of fog and smoke, has significantly reduced visibility in the morning hours. Forecasts indicate that dense fog and smog will persist in the capital from November 13 to 18. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius, while morning humidity levels could soar to 95 percent.
The accumulation of moisture and pollutants in the air suggests that conditions may worsen in the coming days. Current pollution statistics reveal a dire situation. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that 58 out of 59 monitoring stations in Delhi have recorded AQI levels classified as “severe.” Chandni Chowk is experiencing the worst conditions, with an AQI reaching 480.
Other areas also report troubling figures: Burari Crossing at 459, Mathura Road at 457, Commonwealth Sports Complex at 451, Aaya Nagar at 433, and DTU at 443. Anand Vihar (418), Bawana (416), Ashok Vihar (405), and Badarpur (405) are among the neighborhoods suffering from toxic air quality. Dwarka Sector-8 (366) and Ghummanhera (351) are also facing extremely poor air conditions.
In neighboring Noida, the situation is similarly grim. AQI levels at Sector-62 have hit 474, categorizing it as “severe plus.” Other stations in Noida report AQI levels of 402 in Sector-116, 353 in Sector-125, and 335 in Sector-1. Ghaziabad is not faring any better, with Indirapuram recording an AQI of 432, Vasundhara at 405, New Tehsil-Loni at 398, Wave City at 396, and Sanjay Nagar at 391.
Further areas such as Loni (385), Ved Vihar-Loni (345), and Govindpuram (253) also show concerning pollution levels. Experts attribute the worsening air quality to reduced wind speeds and the settling of pollutants as temperatures drop. The meteorological department warns that fog and smog will continue to affect morning conditions, likely exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in the coming days.
