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New Delhi: The national capital woke up to a smog-laden Saturday morning as the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 335 at 9 am, placing it firmly
in the ‘red zone’ and making it the most polluted city in the country, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The deteriorating air quality, dominated by PM2.5 particles, continued to choke residents as the city also experienced a sharp dip in temperature, recording 11°C, three notches below the seasonal average.
Pollution Persists Since Diwali
The national capital has been grappling with worsening air conditions since Diwali, with the AQI hovering between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories, occasionally slipping into the ‘severe’ range. Despite efforts to control stubble burning and vehicular emissions, visibility in several parts of the city remained low, adding to the residents’ discomfort.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 28.6°C, 0.9 degrees below normal. The IMD noted that the minimum temperature this year indicates a slightly delayed onset of winter compared to previous years — 9.5°C on October 29, 2024, 9.2°C on October 23, 2023, and 7.3°C on October 29, 2022. The weather department has forecast a mainly clear sky for the rest of the day.
Residents Battle Twin Crisis
As Delhiites brace for a harsh winter under a toxic haze, experts warn that the combination of stagnant air and low temperatures could worsen pollution levels further. With no immediate relief in sight, the capital continues to struggle with one of the worst air quality phases of the season.
(with inputs from PTI)
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