Delhi's Smog Alert: Air Quality Reaches Very Poor Levels, Health Risks Unnecessary

New Delhi, November 12, 2024 - A thick layer of smog enveloped the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday morning, shrouding Delhi in a hazy blanket that sharply reduced visibility and pushed air quality to hazardous levels.

As of 6 am on Wednesday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 349 for Delhi, with neighboring NCR cities also struggling with poor air quality. The lowest AQI reading in Faridabad was 196, while Gurugram and Ghaziabad recorded 266 and 276 respectively.

Data from IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization, showed that Delhi's AQI had previously spiked to as high as 1,133 in certain areas, categorizing the pollution as "hazardous" with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant.

The dense smog brought visibility levels down to mere feet, prompting health warnings from experts who predict the conditions will persist into the evening, posing heightened health risks for residents, particularly those with respiratory concerns.

Delhi's air quality has remained stuck at "very poor" since October 30, with the latest reading mirroring that of Chandigarh, which recorded an AQI of 349 as of Tuesday night. Experts point to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana - a seasonal phenomenon where farmers burn fields post-harvest - as the primary cause of the pollution spike.

With over 7,112 instances of farm fires reported in Punjab up until now, the environmental agency has warned that air quality is becoming increasingly concerning across the region. A recent surge in farm fires poses significant health risks to local residents and visitors alike.

The CPCB classifies AQI as follows: below 50 is "good," between 51-100 it's "satisfactory," 101-200 is "moderate," 201-300 it's "poor," with levels above that ranging from "very poor" (301-400) to "severe" (401-450) and beyond.