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New Delhi: As the national capital woke up under a thick blanket of smog on Sunday morning, air quality in several parts of Delhi plunged to alarming levels.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) near AIIMS and surrounding areas touched 421, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category as of 7 am.
Smog, Fog and Smoke Cloak the City
Saturday saw a rapid deterioration in Delhi’s air, with the overall AQI rising sharply from 218 on Friday to 303, marking a shift from the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category. The heavy mix of smoke and fog reduced visibility across the city, leaving motorists struggling through hazy stretches.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Safdarjung dropped to 900 metres, while Palam recorded 1,300 metres with calm south-southwesterly winds at 4 kmph. IMD experts noted that the murky conditions were caused by a combination of fog and smoke, creating a toxic haze over Delhi’s skyline.
Wazirpur Tops Pollution Charts
According to CPCB data, Wazirpur reported the highest pollution levels with an AQI of 383, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Out of 38 monitoring stations across the capital, 26 recorded AQI above 300, while the rest remained in the ‘poor’ range.The CPCB defines AQI readings between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’, while 401-500 falls under the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Calm Winds Worsen Conditions
The IMD reported that calm winds and stagnant air have trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing dispersion. Saturday’s maximum temperature was recorded at 30.5°C, about three notches below normal, while the minimum settled at 19.4°C, slightly above average. Humidity levels stood at 73%, further aiding the formation of smog.The IMD has forecast shallow fog on Sunday morning, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 31°C and 18°C, respectively. With no strong winds predicted, pollution levels are likely to remain high through the weekend, offering little relief to residents.
As Delhi continues to grapple with its annual pollution crisis, the smog-filled skies serve as a stark reminder of the capital’s worsening air quality — a problem that has become both seasonal and systemic.
(With inputs from PTI)
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