The national capital continues to endure bone-chilling cold waves, with dense fog blanketing several areas. Despite the frigid weather, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category, compounding the city’s environmental challenges.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 294 at 7 a.m. on Friday. Several monitoring stations reported even worse levels, with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noting an AQI of 324 in Mundka, 320 in Narela, 360 in Nehru Nagar, and 377 in Patparganj.
Other locations such as Okhla Phase-2 (351) and Sonia Vihar (323) also exhibited poor air quality, while Vivek Vihar reported the highest AQI at 390. R.K. Puram (344), Rohini (343), and Najafgarh (221) displayed similarly unhealthy conditions.
Some areas recorded relatively better, though still moderate, AQI levels, including Mandir Marg (144) and Sri Aurobindo Marg (156). However, data from Punjabi Bagh was insufficient over the past 24 hours.
The cold wave’s effects extend beyond Delhi. Dense fog enveloped parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Mathura and Agra, with the iconic Taj Mahal shrouded in thick mist. Northern India’s chill intensifies as winter conditions peak.
Visuals from the AIIMS night shelter in Delhi show individuals resting comfortably, even as the city battles poor air quality and biting cold.
An AQI between 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 as ‘severe.’
On Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after a slight improvement in air quality. However, the Supreme Court has emphasized that if the AQI exceeds 400, Stage-IV measures must be reintroduced immediately.
The CAQM’s current actions align with the Supreme Court’s December 2024 directive mandating an immediate response if air quality deteriorates beyond critical thresholds.
As Delhi grapples with the twin challenges of cold weather and air pollution, authorities remain vigilant, monitoring conditions to prevent further escalation of health risks.
