Pollution crisis looms as AQI rises

Delhi is grappling with severe pollution just days before the Chhath Puja celebrations, with toxic foam seen floating in the Yamuna river at Kalindi Kunj. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, involves rituals such as bathing in river, raising concerns about health and safety.

According to the data revealed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s air quality was categorised as ‘very poor’ on Sunday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 381 recorded at 4 pm. The situation worsened with multiple monitoring stations registering ‘severe’ levels of pollution, particularly in areas such as Punjabi Bagh, where the AQI soared to 423, followed closely by Mundka at 422 and Ashok Vihar at 422.

A total of eight locations across the city reported AQI readings above 400, including Rohini at 436 and Jahangirpuri at 414. This marked a significant increase in pollution levels compared to Saturday, when the AQI was approximately 290. The CPCB categorises AQI readings as follows — 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor) and 401-500 (severe).

Delhi NCR has experienced a slight drop in minimum temperatures over the past 24 hours, while maximum temperatures remained above normal in some areas. Sunday saw clear skies during the day, with wind speeds ranging from 4-8 km per hour.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for potential smog and haze in the mornings over the coming week, predicting light fog in some areas. The wind speed is expected to be between 5-10 km per hour on November 4, 5, and 6, with night-time haze also possible. This recent shift in weather is attributed to a cyclonic circulation developing over Pakistan and western Rajasthan, contributing to the changing temperature patterns.