Delhi Suffers 'Severe' Air Quality as AQI Hits 473, Dense Smog Blankets City

Delhi, November 14 :Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality on Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Anand Vihar recorded at a staggering 473, falling under the ‘severe plus’ category. The capital, which saw its worst AQI in the country on Wednesday, continues to battle dense smog and reduced visibility. Areas such as Aya Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur reported some of the worst air quality in the city, with the AQI crossing 400.

Despite the worsening pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chose not to enforce Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes restrictions like halting primary school classes and banning construction activities. Currently, Stage 2 remains in effect.

The rise in pollution is attributed to dense fog and low temperatures trapping pollutants, with Delhi's daytime temperature dropping to 27.8°C on Wednesday from 32.8°C the day before. The CPCB recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 418, a significant rise from the previous day. The CAQM expects the AQI to improve with stronger winds, but further monitoring will be done before implementing stricter measures.

With 30 out of 36 monitoring stations in Delhi recording ‘severe’ air quality, the capital remains on high alert as authorities assess the situation. If pollution levels persist, Stage 3 restrictions may be enforced, including a ban on construction and restrictions on certain vehicles.