Delhi: Delhi witnessed another alarming winter morning as thick smog combined with dense fog to create hazardous air conditions across the national capital. Large parts of the city remained shrouded in low visibility, while pollution levels soared to dangerous limits, raising serious health concerns for residents.
By early morning, air quality readings across Delhi indicated a grim picture, with the overall Air Quality Index remaining above the 400-mark, categorising it as “severe.” More than half of the city’s air monitoring stations recorded critically polluted air, reflecting how widespread and intense the pollution episode has become.
Several areas reported extremely poor breathing conditions, especially during peak morning hours, as vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants and unfavourable weather conditions trapped toxic particles close to the ground. The dense smog also disrupted normal movement, forcing commuters to slow down due to reduced visibility on roads.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to such air can trigger respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches and worsen existing conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Children, elderly people and those with pre-existing illnesses remain the most vulnerable during such pollution spikes.
