Smog Returns: Delhi air set to slip back to ‘very poor’ zone
New Delhi – Delhi’s air quality slipped again on Thursday after a short improvement. The city’s overall AQI rose to 264, placing it firmly in the “poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Experts warned that the air could worsen further and reach the “very poor” zone in the coming days.
A thick layer of smog once again covered major parts of the capital. Visibility dropped near ITO, where AQI touched 290 early in the morning. In North Delhi’s Narela, levels stayed close at 294. The setback came just a day after Delhi recorded its cleanest air in nearly a week. On Wednesday, the AQI dipped to 202, showing a short-lived improvement from the “very poor” range earlier this week.
Pollution levels had declined briefly. PM10 fell from 260 to 175.2 micrograms per cubic metre, and PM2.5 dropped from 128.2 to 85.5. However, by Thursday morning, readings climbed again across most of the city’s 38 monitoring stations. CPCB’s Sameer app showed that 28 stations reported air quality above 300 — falling into the “very poor” category.
Neighbouring cities saw little relief too. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 229, Noida 216, and Ghaziabad 274 — all in the “poor” bracket. Faridabad did slightly better at 187, but its air still remained unhealthy.
Meteorological experts blamed falling wind speeds for trapping pollutants over the city. The Air Quality Early Warning System said winds are likely to drop below 10 kmph, allowing dust and emissions to settle. It predicted that Delhi’s air will stay “very poor” between November 6 and 8.
Meanwhile, a ground report by India Today questioned the reliability of official data. While CPCB pegged Wednesday’s AQI at 215, the channel’s independent monitor showed readings above 350, which falls in the “very poor” category.
At Anand Vihar, a known pollution hotspot, air quality monitors displayed AQI levels between 400 and 500. Yet, official records listed 276, sparking concerns about data accuracy.
In response, the Delhi government intensified anti-pollution actions. It launched large-scale road cleaning operations using 200 maintenance vans. Officials also began surprise checks on industrial units and vehicles violating emission norms.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her administration is focusing on pollution hotspots. “Our teams are working round the clock to stabilise AQI levels. We are determined to bring visible improvement,” she stated.
Environmentalists warned that conditions may worsen if weather remains calm and stubble burning continues in neighbouring states. They urged citizens to limit outdoor activity and use air purifiers indoors.
For now, Delhiites face another stretch of smog-filled mornings. The short window of clean air has closed once again, as pollution tightens its grip on the national capital.
