Delhi experienced a harsh cold wave on Monday, accompanied by light rain and a dense layer of fog that engulfed the city. The minimum temperature dropped to 8°C, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 20°C.
Harsh Winters and Shelter Homes
The city’s chilling conditions prompted many to seek refuge in night shelters. Visuals from Lodhi Road showed residents taking shelter to escape the biting cold.
A local resident remarked, “The temperatures have dropped here because it has been raining… the rain started around 5 am today.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a below-normal cold wave season across northwestern India this winter.
Severe Air Quality Worsens
Adding to the city’s woes, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘severe’ category on Monday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 403 at 7 am.
Specific areas recorded alarmingly high AQI levels:
- Anand Vihar: 439
- Ashok Vihar: 456
- Bawana: 473
- CRRI Mathura Road: 406
- Narela: 430
An AQI between 401-500 is categorized as ‘severe,’ indicating hazardous air quality with significant health risks.
GRAP Measures in Effect
Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been enforced across the NCR since December 16 to mitigate air pollution. Despite these measures, air quality remains critically poor.
Air Pollution Trends Over Recent Days
On December 22, the AQI in Delhi was ‘very poor,’ with a reading of 388, reducing visibility across the city. On December 21, the AQI hovered close to the ‘severe’ mark at 398.
Recent AQI Readings:
- ITO: 384
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 372
- DTU: 354
- IGI Airport (T3): 372
- DU North Campus: 381
Some areas consistently recorded ‘severe’ AQI levels:
- Alipur: 411
- Anand Vihar: 427
- RK Puram: 408
Crisis Response
With worsening air quality and freezing temperatures, Delhi faces a dual crisis. Citizens and authorities are urged to take precautionary measures to protect health and ensure safety during this challenging winter season.