A dense layer of smog enveloped Delhi and surrounding areas on Thursday morning as the air quality slipped back into the ‘Severe’ level.
A dense layer of smog enveloped Delhi and surrounding areas on Thursday morning as the air quality slipped back into the ‘Severe’ level, posing a significant health hazard to residents.
The air quality in Delhi hit its worst level today, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas breaching the 400 mark. On Wednesday, a similar situation choked the national capital as the AQI spiked to 429.
Today, the AQI was recorded in Anand Vihar at 473, Alipur at 424, Aya Nagar at 424, Ashok Vihar at 471, IGI Airport T3 at 436, Chandni Chowk at 405, Dwarka Sector 8 at 457, Jahangirpuri at 470, JNS at 412, Narela at 440, and Nehru Nagar at 462, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In Patparganj, the AQI level was recorded at 472, Okhla Phase 2 at 441, Punjabi Bagh at 459, RK Puram at 457, Pusa at 408, Rohini at 453, Shadipur at 430, Wazirpur at 467, Sonia Vihar at 448, and Sirifort at 440.
#WATCH | Delhi: A thick layer of smog engulfs the Gazipur as the air quality deteriorates to ‘Severe’ category in several parts of the national capital, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).AQI in Anand Vihar is at 473 pic.twitter.com/QuiRz7LAtv
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
According to the CPCB, a severe Air Quality Index (AQI) of 401–500 can cause respiratory issues even in healthy people, and serious health issues in people with heart or lung disease.
Taking note of the increasing pollution levels in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai will hold a review meeting with concerned departmental officials in the Green War Room at Delhi Secretariat today, according to the Office of Environment Minister.
Flights Delayed Due To Low Visibility
The low visibility conditions in the national capital and surrounding areas due to thick fog delayed several flights on Thursday.
The IndiGo flights travelling to and from Delhi, Varanasi and Amritsar were impacted due to the unfavourable visibility factor, said the airline in a travel advisory.
“This morning, winter fog may impact flights to/from Amritsar, Varanasi and Delhi. Do keep a tab on your flight status before heading to the airport. Also, please allow additional travel time as road traffic may move slower than usual due to low visibility. Thank you for your patience, and we wish you a smooth journey,” the airline said.
Why Is Delhi Facing High Pollution Levels?
In New Delhi, the air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category for 14 consecutive days until Tuesday evening, with vehicular emissions being the largest contributor, accounting for 15.4 per cent of the pollution.
Stubble burning in neighbouring states worsened the situation, covering the city in a dense layer of smog, according to experts. The level of key pollutants–PM2.5 and PM10–stood extremely high in the air.
The Air Quality Warning System under the Ministry of Earth Sciences warned that with slow wind speeds, the meteorological conditions are likely to remain extremely unfavourable for effective dispersion of pollutants.
