Delhi chokes under dense smog; AQI crosses 400 in several areas as pollution enters ‘severe’ zone

PTC Web Desk: Delhi was blanketed by thick smog on Saturday as air quality in several parts of the city slipped into the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the capital’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 389 at 10 am, only slightly above the previous reading of 387 recorded at 4 pm on November 14.

Multiple neighbourhoods, including Wazirpur, Bawana, Rohini, Anand Vihar, Mundka and Jahangirpuri, recorded AQI levels exceeding 400, indicating hazardous conditions. Wazirpur was the worst-hit area, reporting an AQI of 450 at 9 am.

With pollution levels rising sharply, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. Restrictions under this stage include curbs on construction activities and enhanced pollution-control measures.

Earlier in the week, the Directorate of Education directed schools in the Delhi-NCR region to switch to a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5 due to deteriorating air quality.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit status reports on measures taken to control stubble burning, a key contributor to pollution in Delhi. Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) revealed that stubble burning accounted for 8.5% of Delhi’s pollution on Friday, while emissions from transport contributed the highest share at 19.8%.

Meteorological factors have worsened the situation. Slow wind speeds and dropping temperatures have trapped pollutants closer to the surface, leading to poor dispersion. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies with smog or shallow fog during the morning hours. Winds are likely to weaken further, falling below 5 kmph on the evening and night of November 15, potentially intensifying pollution levels.