Toxic Smog Engulfs Delhi as Air Quality Nears Severe Levels
A dense blanket of hazardous smog covered Delhi on Saturday, pushing the city’s air quality close to the “severe” category and disrupting daily life across the capital. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 397, signaling extremely unhealthy conditions for residents.
The thick haze significantly reduced visibility, prompting authorities to issue health advisories and travel warnings. Officials cautioned that pollution levels could worsen over the coming days as unfavorable weather conditions persist. Data from the CPCB revealed critically high pollution levels in multiple neighborhoods, with at least 21 monitoring stations recording AQI readings above 400. Wazirpur had the worst air quality at 445, closely followed by Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Anand Vihar. These readings pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The smog also affected operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Low Visibility Procedures were implemented early in the morning to manage potential disruptions, and passengers were advised to check flight status with their airlines. Airport officials noted that all operations remained largely normal, but the precautions were necessary to prepare for possible delays or cancellations caused by poor visibility. This pattern of disruption is common during Delhi’s winter smog season.
Health experts warned that prolonged exposure to air pollution at these levels could lead to breathing difficulties, aggravated asthma, and long-term respiratory illnesses. Residents were urged to limit outdoor activities and take protective measures, including wearing masks. In response, the Delhi government outlined measures to reduce pollution, such as accelerating road paving projects to curb dust emissions, as part of a broader strategy to address both immediate and long-term pollution sources.
The Air Quality Early Warning System projected that air quality would remain very poor through Saturday and could deteriorate further into the severe category by Sunday. The ongoing crisis underscores Delhi’s persistent environmental and public health challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained policy action and coordinated efforts to protect residents from the city’s annual winter smog.
