The national capital, Delhi, on Sunday woke up under a dense blanket of smog, with air quality remaining in the ‘severe’ category across the city. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at an alarming 462 at 6 a.m., indicating hazardous conditions for public health.
All 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi reported ‘red’ alerts, signifying AQI levels in the ‘severe’ range. Rohini in North West Delhi emerged as one of the most polluted areas, recording an AQI of 499, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) identified as the dominant pollutant. Other severely affected localities included Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar, both registering AQI levels of 495.
Several parts of the city experienced poor visibility due to the thick smog. Visuals from Patparganj in East Delhi showed commuters driving slowly with headlights switched on even during early morning hours. The AQI in Patparganj was recorded at 488 at 6 a.m., reflecting the extent of air pollution gripping the area.
The Air Quality Index is a public health indicator used to communicate the level of air pollution and its potential impact on health. As per the CPCB, the AQI is calculated based on eight major pollutants—particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone (O₃), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), and ammonia (NH₃).
An AQI value between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’. Each category corresponds to increasing health risks.
The CPCB warns that ‘severe’ air quality poses serious health hazards, affecting even healthy individuals. People are advised to avoid outdoor activities, limit exposure to polluted air, and refrain from exercising in open spaces until air quality improves.
