Delhi woke up to another cold morning on Friday, with the city’s air quality offering no relief from the persistent pollution that has troubled residents for the last 14 days. Data released on Thursday, showed that the overall Air Quality Index stood at 384, placing it firmly in the very poor category.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, 20 monitoring stations across the city recorded air quality in the very poor range. A further 18 stations entered the severe category, indicating widespread and sustained pollution levels across both central and outer parts of the capital. Officials noted that the conditions were consistent with the pattern seen over the past fortnight. The combination of cold weather and light winds has contributed to the stagnation of pollutants. The low temperature recorded on Friday morning limited the dispersal of suspended particles, allowing smog to settle over residential and commercial areas. An official monitoring the data said the figures reflected “one of the most prolonged spells of poor air quality this season”.
Residents reported heavy smog during early morning hours, with visibility reduced in several parts of the city. Commuters also experienced slower traffic movement at certain junctions as the haze thickened during peak hours. Some areas, particularly those already known for high pollution levels, saw residents step out wearing masks as a precaution. Authorities have continued to issue advisories urging people, especially children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activity. Schools and workplaces advised staff to take necessary precautions, although no additional restrictions were announced by the administration on Thursday.
Environmental observers said that changes in wind speed or a shift in weather patterns may offer some relief in the coming days, but no immediate improvement is expected. For now, Delhi remains enveloped in a layer of hazardous air that shows little sign of clearing.
