New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday morning, as pollution levels continued to choke Delhi’s skyline. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 309 at 7 am, slightly better than Monday’s 316 at 8 am, yet still well within the “very poor” range.
Pollution Levels Across Key Delhi Areas
The CPCB’s real-time monitoring showed varying levels of pollution across the city:
- Anand Vihar: AQI at 392 (‘very poor’)
- ITO and adjoining areas: AQI at 347 (‘very poor’)
- Kartavya Path: AQI at 278 (‘poor’), slightly better than 307 recorded on Monday
- Lodhi Road and Tilak Marg: AQI around 153 (‘moderate’)
- Akshardham area: AQI 392 (‘very poor’), with a visible haze blanketing the skyline
According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe.
Authorities Step In With Dust-Control Measures
In response to the worsening air, Delhi authorities have deployed truck-mounted water sprinklers and anti-smog guns across several areas to reduce dust and particulate matter. These measures are part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage 2 of which remains in force amid rising pollution.
Visuals from key roads showed civic teams sprinkling water on dusty patches, medians, and construction zones — one of the main contributors to suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Public Reactions and Health Concerns
Residents have reported increased respiratory issues and irritation in the eyes and throat.
Saif, a local resident, said, “Pollution in Delhi is rising. There is burning in the eyes and difficulty in breathing. The government should do something about it.”
A foreign visitor, Shane, shared his experience traveling from Agra to Delhi: “It’s pretty bad. As I got closer to Delhi, the smog became thicker. You could barely see the sun anymore.”
Doctors have urged citizens to limit outdoor exposure, especially early in the morning and late evening, when pollution levels tend to peak.
Weather Outlook and Ongoing Measures
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to experience clear skies with morning smog in the coming days. Calm winds and low temperatures are likely to trap pollutants near the surface, making dispersion difficult.
Since Diwali, Delhi’s AQI has largely hovered between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories, prompting authorities to maintain restrictions under Stage 2 of GRAP, which includes curbs on construction activity and vehicular emissions.
Experts have warned that if the situation worsens, Stage 3 restrictions, involving a ban on non-essential construction and stricter vehicle checks, could be enforced.