NEW DELHI: Toxic smog blanketed the capital on Monday, with more air quality monitoring stations reporting ‘severe’ pollution levels. Although Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the upper range of the ‘very poor’ category, the situation worsened throughout the day as pollution levels continued to rise.
The smog that settled over the city in the morning persisted well into the afternoon, aided by calm winds that hindered the dispersion of pollutants. By noon, Delhi’s average AQI was 373. The situation deteriorated further by 3 pm (380 AQI) and 6 pm (386 AQI), signaling a return of the dreaded November air. Residents reported common symptoms such as itchy eyes, headaches, and breathing difficulties, with experts predicting a possible spike in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone levels.
In the morning, eight areas across Delhi registered ‘severe’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 425, followed closely by Vivek Vihar at 424. By late afternoon, the number of areas in the ‘severe’ category rose to 11, and by 7 pm, it climbed to 16. Anand Vihar remained the most polluted area at 442, followed by Vivek Vihar at 435. Other highly polluted areas included Alipur, Nehru Nagar, Sector-8 of Dwarka, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur.
Delhi’s average AQI on Monday was 381, slightly down from 382 the previous day. The PM2.5 levels ranged from 171.8 to 180.7 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the national safe limit of 60 and the World Health Organization’s guideline of 15 for a 24-hour period.
Health Concerns Amid Rising Pollution
“The hazy weather is indeed smog. Many areas are experiencing severe or very poor air quality,” said Shambhavi Shukla, Programme Manager for the Air Quality Programme at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Tiny pollutants like PM2.5 can settle deep in the lungs, leading to serious health issues. People with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are especially at risk during these high-pollution times.”
Experts also pointed to the combination of low temperatures and weak winds as contributing factors to the ongoing pollution. The calm conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing, further exacerbating the air quality crisis.
Outlook: No Relief in Sight
According to the city’s air quality early warning system, Delhi is expected to remain under the grip of ‘very poor’ air quality for the next two days, with the possibility of it turning ‘severe’ soon after. Meteorologists predict that the lack of wind will continue to trap pollutants in the atmosphere, prolonging the hazy conditions.
“The air quality is likely to stay in the very poor category until November 7, with a high chance of entering the ‘severe’ range by then,” said a bulletin from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The early warning system also noted that the contribution of farm fires to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels had risen to 19.7% on Monday, up from 15% the day before.
Sources of Pollution: Vehicular Emissions and Stubble Burning
Experts also highlighted the role of other factors in exacerbating the pollution. “Ozone forms when nitrogen dioxide (NO2) reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under sunlight,” explained environmental researcher Dahiya. “Fossil fuel combustion from vehicles and stubble burning both release particulate matter and NO2, further boosting ozone formation. As temperatures rise during the day, ozone levels spike, adding to the pollution load in Delhi NCR.”
Gurgaon’s Worst Air Quality of the Season
Meanwhile, nearby Gurgaon recorded its most polluted 24-hour period of the season, as cold weather and stagnant winds kept the toxic haze trapped over the city. Gurgaon’s 24-hour average AQI on Monday surged to 310, a 10% increase from the previous day’s reading of 281, which was categorized as ‘poor.’
Weather Update
Delhi’s maximum temperature on Monday was recorded at 32.1°C, slightly below normal, while the minimum temperature was 16.6°C, just above the seasonal average. The forecast for Tuesday indicates temperatures will hover around 32°C during the day and 16°C at night.
As the city braces for more toxic air in the coming days, experts are urging residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and take protective measures against the worsening air quality.
