Delhi woke up on Thursday morning under a thick layer of haze and fog, pushing the air quality into the “very poor” category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 357 at 8 a.m., up sharply from 279 a day earlier.
Several monitoring stations recorded alarming figures, with Anand Vihar (408) and Vivek Vihar (415) slipping into the “severe” range. Other parts of Delhi, including ITO, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram, and Dwarka, also reported “very poor” air quality levels, crossing 350.
Experts say stagnant winds and dense fog have trapped pollutants close to the surface, leading to reduced visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted visibility of 800 to 1,000 metres at Safdarjung and Palam during early hours.
The Air Quality Early Warning System stated that the city ventilation index remains below the favourable 6,000 m²/s mark, indicating weak dispersion of pollutants. Calm winds below 10 kmph further aggravated the situation.
Authorities have deployed truck-mounted water sprinklers and anti-smog guns across key areas to suppress dust and pollutants. Meanwhile, the Delhi government carried out cloud seeding operations to induce artificial rain, but the move faced criticism over its limited impact.
In response to worsening air quality, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has doubled parking fees under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to discourage private vehicle use. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also barred the entry of non-BS-VI commercial goods vehicles into the capital from November 1.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 20.1°C, four degrees above normal with humidity levels reaching 90 percent. Foggy conditions are expected to persist, with the maximum temperature likely around 30°C.
Safety Measures Amid Pollution
Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are highest. Wearing N95 masks, using air purifiers indoors, keeping windows closed, staying hydrated, and including antioxidant-rich foods in daily diets can help reduce health risks. Sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should take extra precautions and limit exposure to outdoor air.