New Delhi: The capital’s air quality has slipped sharply as smog thickened across the region, raising health concerns for residents. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the city reached 311 on Thursday afternoon, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category.
Officials identified reduced wind speeds and nearby stubble burning as key factors driving the worsening air pollution. The city’s ventilation index fell below the safe threshold, limiting pollutant dispersion. In neighbouring states, crop-residue fires were shown to contribute over 20 per cent of Delhi’s fine-particulate (PM2.5) load, with projections of that share rising to nearly 37 per cent in coming days. At least 26 of the 38 monitoring stations in New Delhi were recording the “very poor” range on Thursday, with some locations in the “severe” category. Among the worst-affected localities were ITO (AQI 329), Jahangirpuri (321), Nehru Nagar (330) and Mundka (336).
Experts have warned that the deterioration is likely to persist over the weekend, as light winds and cooler overnight temperatures will trap pollutants close to the ground. “The prevailing meteorological conditions are unfavourable for cleaning up the air,” one forecaster said. Health authorities are advising individuals, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit time spent outdoors, wear protective masks if necessary and use air purifiers indoors. Construction activity and vehicle emissions remain under monitoring, while enforcement of anti-burning regulations in neighbouring states has been stepped up.
Despite earlier improvements in air quality during the year, with the city achieving its best Jan-Oct average in eight years, the onset of winter and the current weather pattern mean that pollution is once again topping the agenda.
