Delhi's Air Quality Plummets To 'Very Poor' As Winter Sets In

As winter approaches, Delhi's air quality is rapidly declining, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 'Very Poor' levels. Recent data shows the overall AQI in the national capital has hit 306, raising concerns among residents and authorities.

The onset of winter in Delhi brings with it not just chilly temperatures but also a recurring concern - deteriorating air quality. Over the weekend, Delhi witnessed a significant plunge in air quality, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the 'Very Poor' category, recording an alarming 306.

On Sunday, the AQI stood at 302, marking a stark decline from the 'Poor' classification with an AQI of 266 in the morning. This was a notable departure from the 173 AQI recorded just the previous Saturday. SAFAR-India, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research reported an AQI of 330 (Very Poor) at Delhi University, while the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Terminal T3 in New Delhi registered an AQI of 313, significantly higher than the morning's 276.

According to SAFAR, Kartavya Path at India Gate began the day with an AQI of 266. Nearby areas exhibited varying air quality levels, with Noida recording an AQI of 290 (Poor) and Gurugram at 152 (Moderate). In select locations within New Delhi, the air quality deteriorated further, with Anand Vihar breaching the 'Very Poor' category with an AQI of 345, ITO at 309, New Moti Bagh at 360, and Dwarka Sector-8 at 313.

Here's a quick rundown of the AQI categories:

Good (0-50): Air quality is satisfactory, and poses little or no risk to health.

Satisfactory (51-100): Air quality is acceptable, but it may pose a moderate health concern for those with respiratory problems.

Moderately Polluted (101-200): Air quality is acceptable, but individuals unusually sensitive to air pollution may be at risk.

Poor (201-300): Everyone may begin to experience health effects, with sensitive groups at greater risk.

Very Poor (301-400): Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.

Severe (401-500): Health warnings of emergency conditions, affecting the entire population.

As Delhi grapples with this alarming decline in air quality, authorities and residents are being urged to take precautionary measures to reduce health risks. This situation underscores the ongoing battle against air pollution in the national capital and the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.