Delhi’s air quality continues to be a major concern as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category on Saturday, with a recorded value of 212 at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a slight improvement from Friday’s AQI of 277 but still reflects hazardous air quality levels for the city.
Areas like Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Chandni Chowk reported AQI levels of 205, 249, 278, and 168, respectively. Other parts of the city, including Dwarka Sec 8 (212), Nehru Nagar (247), and IGI Airport (T3) (247), also recorded poor air quality. The average AQI across Delhi remains a cause for concern, as values above 200 are considered ‘poor,’ and exposure to such air quality can lead to respiratory problems, especially for children and the elderly.
In terms of health implications, an AQI between 201-300 signifies poor air quality, and the CPCB has advised people, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activities. The air quality has been further exacerbated by low temperatures, which often trap pollutants close to the ground.
The temperature in the capital on Saturday morning stood at 9.4 degrees Celsius, with a slight increase of around 4-5 degrees from Friday, a day after the city witnessed a cold wave. This shift in temperature, although offering slight relief from the cold, has not been enough to alleviate the persistent pollution problem.
As pollution levels continue to rise, homeless people are seeking refuge in night shelters to escape the chilling temperatures and the hazardous air. Environmental experts continue to raise alarms about the urgent need for stronger pollution control measures in the city to combat the long-term health risks posed by poor air quality.
