Delhi’s air quality has sharply worsened, with the 24-hour average AQI plunging into the ‘severe-plus’ category on Thursday, surpassing the 450-mark at 4 PM, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Some areas reported AQI levels as high as 470, with at least 32 of the 35 monitoring stations in the city recording hazardous air quality, characterized by dangerously high levels of PM2.5, the primary pollutant.
PM2.5 particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled. These tiny particles are linked to respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
In response to the worsening air quality, Delhi remains under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes strict measures such as a complete ban on construction activities and the entry of non-essential, polluting trucks into the city. Stage 4 of GRAP was reinstated on the night of December 16 after a significant spike in pollution levels.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Friday, December 20, forecasting very dense fog in the city. The temperature on Thursday reached a maximum of 23°C, slightly above the season’s average, while the minimum dropped to 5°C, three degrees below the normal for this time of year.
On Tuesday, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 433, a sharp increase from 379 on Monday. Meanwhile, neighboring cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad also experienced poor air quality, with AQI levels ranging from “very poor” to “severe-plus.” At 6 AM on Thursday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 448, just two points shy of the ‘severe-plus’ category.
In Ghaziabad, the AQI was 381, while Noida and Gurugram recorded AQI levels of 364 and 376, respectively. The last time Delhi’s air quality was categorized as ‘severe’ was on November 23, when the AQI peaked at 412.
The GRAP system categorizes air quality into four stages:
Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300)
Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400)
Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450)
Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450)
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” 401-450 “severe,” and above 450 is classified as “severe-plus.”
As Delhi continues to battle severe pollution, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory issues or heart conditions.
