Delhi Chokes Again: AQI at 309 as Smog Blankets City, Residents Complain of Burning Eyes & Breathing Trouble

Delhi: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 309 at 7 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) — a marginal improvement from Monday’s reading of 316, yet still deeply concerning.

Several parts of the national capital continued to reel under thick smog and hazardous pollution levels. Data from CPCB revealed wide variations across localities: Lodhi Road and Tilak Marg recorded comparatively moderate AQI readings around 153, while pollution in ITO and surrounding areas reached an alarming 347, firmly in the ‘very poor’ zone.

The situation was even worse in Anand Vihar and Akshardham, where AQI levels touched 392, choking residents under heavy haze. The Kartavya Path area, a central landmark, reported an AQI of 278, classified as ‘poor’, slightly better than Monday’s 307.

Authorities have deployed truck-mounted water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and dust suppression units across multiple zones in a bid to reduce the toxic haze. However, residents continue to suffer as air quality fails to improve substantially.

Speaking to ANI, Shane, a foreign tourist, described the smog as “horrific,” saying, “As I entered Delhi from Agra, the air grew thicker with smog. You could barely see the sun.” Another local resident, Saif, expressed frustration: “Pollution in Delhi is rising every year. There’s burning in the eyes and difficulty in breathing. The government must act now.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted clear skies with dense smog in the early hours, warning that conditions could worsen if wind speed remains low.

Since Diwali, Delhi’s AQI has oscillated between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’, with several NCR areas under the Stage 2 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — which includes curbs on construction, vehicle movement, and industrial emissions.