Pollution increases again in Delhi; AQI crosses 300 in the Chandni Chowk area
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply, with Chandni Chowk Recording an AQI above 300: With the onset of winter, Delhi-NCR is once again grappling with worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged significantly over the past three days, with several areas of the capital already recording levels in the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI in Delhi stood at 100 on Thursday. However, within just 48 hours, the index saw a steep climb—rising by 70 points on Friday to reach 170 (moderate category), and further increasing to 199 on Saturday. This puts the city just two points below the ‘poor’ air quality threshold.
More alarmingly, several monitoring stations across the capital recorded AQI levels already in the ‘poor’ category by 4 PM on Saturday. Delhi’s Chandni Chowk emerged as the most polluted area, with AQI levels breaching the 300 mark and hitting 307—placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category.
Pollution levels of particulate matter are also well above healthy limits. On Saturday at 4 PM, PM10 levels in the city averaged 209, more than double the healthy limit of 100. PM2.5 levels stood at 75, also exceeding the safe threshold of 60.
Experts attribute the spike in pollution to a combination of environmental and weather-related factors. The current wind speed is under 10 km/h, which is insufficient to disperse pollutants effectively. Additionally, falling temperatures and stagnant air masses are allowing particulate matter to accumulate and remain suspended for longer durations.
Forecasts suggest that the situation is unlikely to improve soon. Meteorological conditions over the next six days indicate continued low wind speeds and cold temperatures, both of which are expected to contribute to sustained poor air quality in the region.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially early morning and late evening when pollution levels tend to spike. Authorities are also expected to implement stricter air pollution control measures if the trend continues.
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