The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday, compounded by a blanket of fog that reduced visibility throughout parts of the city.
The minimum temperature also dropped to 5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, a decrease from the 7.4 degrees Celsius recorded the previous day at 2:30 AM, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI at 7 AM on Wednesday was measured at 442, rising from Tuesday’s reading of 421 at the same time. Various locations in the capital recorded alarming AQI levels, with ITO at 458, Alipur at 471, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 443, DTU at 432, IGI Airport (T3) at 418, RK Puram at 464, and DU North Campus at 436.
However, some areas recorded AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ category, including Chandni Chowk at 374, Lodhi Road at 348, Dilshad Garden at 344, and NSIT Dwarka at 367.
To clarify the AQI scale: an index of 0-50 is categorized as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and 401-500 is classified as severe. Despite the cold weather, Air Force personnel were observed preparing for the 78th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path.
Visitors to the city have reported difficulties due to pollution. Avinash, who traveled from Maharashtra to visit India Gate, mentioned experiencing breathing issues upon arriving in Delhi. “While riding my bike towards Gurugram, I encountered some difficulty breathing,” he told ANI.
Local resident Bhagat Singh shared his concerns as well, noting a decline in the number of people participating in morning walks at parks due to the worsening air quality. He said, “Pollution has surged over the past two days, causing us to struggle with breathing. Because of this, fewer people are coming out for their morning walks.”
Anant Kumar, another visitor to India Gate, remarked on the sudden increase in pollution levels, saying, “We have seen a noticeable rise in pollution, particularly since there was a brief respite earlier. I believe more action needs to be taken.”
Following the decline in air quality, GRAP Stage IV measures have been implemented across the entire National Capital Region since December 16. This step was taken after the AQI exceeded 400. On Monday night, the AQI was recorded at 399 by 9 PM, before escalating to 401 and entering the severe category by 10 PM.
