New Delhi, Dec 16: The national capital continued to grapple with hazardous air conditions on Tuesday, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 378 around 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to official data.
The air quality showed a marginal improvement from Monday, when the AQI had touched 427 in the afternoon and slipped into the ‘severe’ category. Despite the slight dip, pollution levels remained dangerously high across large parts of the city.
A thick blanket of smog covered Delhi, reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents. Areas such as India Gate recorded an AQI of 380, while Sarai Kale Khan stood at around 359, both categorised as ‘very poor’. Ghazipur and Anand Vihar continued to remain among the worst-affected areas, with AQI levels around 410, falling in the ‘severe’ category.
As per AQI standards, values between 301 and 400 are considered ‘very poor’, while readings above 400 fall in the ‘severe’ category.
Visitors and residents alike reported breathing difficulties due to the pollution. A tourist said visibility was so poor that landmarks like India Gate were barely visible, adding that the polluted air was affecting health.
Air quality across other major cities showed relatively better conditions. Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai recorded AQI levels largely in the ‘moderate’ to ‘satisfactory’ range. Cities including Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, and Pune reported ‘moderate’ air quality.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of an expert committee set up to address vehicular emissions in Delhi-NCR was held on Monday. The discussions focused on the contribution of vehicle emissions, exposure risks, readiness for electric vehicles, and infrastructure needs. The committee is expected to present concrete recommendations in the coming meetings.
As Delhi continues to battle severe pollution, authorities have enforced stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan. In view of the worsening air quality, the Delhi government has directed schools to switch to online classes for students up to Class 5 until further notice.
