Delhi in Third Consecutive Day of Severe Smog as AQI Surges
Delhi in Third Consecutive Day of Severe Smog as AQI Surges
Delhi's air remains in the severe category for the third day running, with hotspots like Bawana and Chandni Chowk hitting dangerous levels. Here's what you need to know.
Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog for the third straight day as the city’s air quality remained in the 'severe' category. The morning bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an overall AQI of 404 in Delhi, a level that can impact healthy individuals and worsen existing conditions. Across 37 monitoring stations, 27 reported AQI readings in the severe range, underscoring how widespread the pollution is. The worst-hit pockets included Burari (433), Chandni Chowk (455), Anand Vihar (431), Mundka (438), Bawana (460), and Wazirpur (452).
Meteorologists say a combination of light winds and a temperature inversion is trapping pollutants near the ground, creating dense smog that reduces visibility and air quality. The minimum temperature settled around 10.6 degrees Celsius, about 2.9 degrees below the season’s average, while daytime highs were likely to hover near 27 degrees. The pattern has turned daily life into a challenge for commuters and health-sensitive residents.
As a response, authorities activated Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region. Private and non-essential construction activities are banned, and BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers face restrictions in Delhi and neighboring areas. The government also directed all primary schools up to class five to operate in hybrid mode, expanding remote learning to reduce exposure for children.
Officials say there could be marginal relief from Thursday as winds pick up slightly, though the overall level of pollution is not expected to vanish quickly. Experts advise residents to minimize outdoor activity, wear masks, and keep indoor air clean with air purifiers where possible.
Cover image source: No respite from pollution woes: Delhi's AQI stays in 'severe' category for third day 🔗
