Delhi Chokes Under Dense Smog as AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas
Delhi woke up to a blanket of dense smog on Saturday, with air quality plunging into the ‘Severe’ category across several parts of the city. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall AQI at 10 am stood at 389, marginally higher than 387 recorded at 4 pm on November 14.
Multiple localities breached the 400 mark, with Wazirpur topping the pollution chart at an alarming 450.
AQI in Key Areas
| Area | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Wazirpur | 450 | Severe |
| Bawana | 443 | Severe |
| Rohini | 426 | Severe |
| Anand Vihar | 426 | Severe |
| Mundka | 425 | Severe |
| Jahangirpuri | 423 | Severe |
| Vivek Vihar | 420 | Severe |
| Chandni Chowk | 420 | Severe |
| Narela | 419 | Severe |
| ITO | 419 | Severe |
With pollution levels deteriorating, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR.
Earlier this week, the Directorate of Education directed all schools in Delhi-NCR to shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class 5.
The Supreme Court has also asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit a status report on steps taken to curb stubble burning, a key contributor to Delhi’s toxic air. As per the Decision Support System (DSS), stubble burning accounted for 8.5% of Delhi’s pollution on Friday, while transport emissions (19.8%) remained the biggest source.
Meteorological factors have worsened the situation, with slow wind speeds and low temperatures preventing pollutant dispersion. The IMD’s EWS bulletin predicted clear skies with smog or shallow fog on Saturday morning, adding that wind speeds are likely to dip below 5 kmph by evening.
Under CPCB norms, AQI above 400 is classified as ‘Severe’, 301–400 as ‘Very Poor’, 201–300 ‘Poor’, 101–200 ‘Moderate’, and 51–100 ‘Satisfactory’.
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