Delhi’s air turns toxic: AQI hits 417 in Anand Vihar, ‘very poor' across NCR
PTC Web Desk: Delhi woke up to toxic air on Diwali on Monday morning, as pollution levels spiked sharply across the National Capital Region (NCR). By 7:30 am, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 335, falling under the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Data showed that most of Delhi’s 38 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 300, signalling widespread deterioration in air quality. Anand Vihar emerged as the most polluted area with an AQI of 417, placing it in the “severe” category. Other major locations such as New Delhi (367), Vijay Nagar, Ghaziabad (348), Noida (341), Noida Sector 1 (344), and Gurugram (283) also reported alarming pollution levels.
Despite the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforcing Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR on Sunday, pollution levels continued to surge. Stage I restrictions have been in place since October 14, focusing on controlling vehicular emissions, construction dust, and open burning.
On Day before Diwali, 24 out of 38 stations reported “very poor” air quality. Wazirpur (364), Vivek Vihar (351), Dwarka (335), and RK Puram (323) were among the worst-affected areas, while readings from Siri Fort (318), Dilshad Garden (318), Jahangirpuri (318), Punjabi Bagh (313), and Nehru Nagar (310) also showed severe degradation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the situation may worsen, with the air likely to enter the “severe” zone by Tuesday. The department has forecast Monday’s maximum temperature at 33°C and a minimum of 21°C, with calm winds expected to trap pollutants near the surface.
The CAQM has directed agencies to maintain “strict vigilance” on construction sites, road dust, and other sources of particulate matter, ensuring compliance with anti-pollution norms.
The pollution spike follows the Supreme Court’s order last week allowing the bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR within a restricted timeframe — between 6 am and 7 am, and 8 pm to 10 pm from October 18 to 20.
Experts warn that a combination of festive firecrackers, stagnant weather conditions, and rising vehicular emissions could push Delhi’s air quality to hazardous levels in the coming days.
- With inputs from agencies
