Delhi’s air quality hits ‘severe’ levels, AQI soars above 450 in some areas
Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” category on Friday, with the AQI exceeding 450 in several areas. The cold weather and smog continued to worsen the situation. On Thursday, the AQI hit 451 at 4 p.m., marking a “severe plus” level according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
At 8 a.m. on Friday, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 434, still in the severe category. Areas like Rohini, RK Puram, and Wazirpur recorded AQI levels above 450. The CPCB defines an AQI between 401-450 as severe, and anything above 450 as “severe plus.”
Thursday’s AQI levels also showed dangerously high concentrations of PM2.5, the main pollutant. These fine particles pose serious health risks, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs. Of the 35 monitoring stations, 32 recorded AQI readings in the “severe plus” category, with some areas reaching 470.
To combat the rising pollution, Delhi remains under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage includes the strictest anti-pollution measures, such as banning construction activities and restricting non-essential trucks from entering the city.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Friday, warning of dense fog in some parts of the city. Thursday’s temperatures were slightly above normal, with a high of 23°C and a low of 5°C, which was three degrees lower than usual.
