Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 300 mark for the first time this season on Monday, November 2. A thick layer of smog has covered several parts of the national capital, raising concerns about public health as pollution levels are expected to remain high over the coming days.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 307 at around 7:05 am on Monday, placing the city in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Another reading showed the AQI at 310 around 8 am. This marks a significant deterioration from Sunday, when the 24-hour average AQI stood at 261, classified as ‘Poor’.
The situation is particularly concerning across several parts of Delhi-NCR. Of the 59 monitoring stations in Delhi, data from 58 stations was available on Monday morning. As many as 36 stations recorded ‘Very Poor’ air quality, while Jahangirpuri was the only station to enter the ‘Severe’ category, with an AQI of 417.
Neighbouring areas have also reported rising pollution levels. Noida recorded an AQI of 311, while Ghaziabad stood at 278 and Gurugram at 230. Faridabad, meanwhile, recorded a comparatively better reading of 116, placing it in the ‘Moderate’ category.
The sudden deterioration comes after a brief improvement in air quality following heavy rainfall and strong winds last week. On Friday, October 30, Delhi's AQI had dropped to 60, offering residents temporary relief from pollution. However, the improvement did not last long as weather conditions became less favourable for the dispersal of pollutants.
PM2.5 has emerged as the primary pollutant across most monitoring stations. Low wind speeds, falling temperatures and increasing moisture in the atmosphere are contributing to the accumulation of pollutants close to the ground.
Stubble burning in neighbouring states is adding to the problem. Satellite observations detected 1,394 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana between October 1 and November 1, including 171 on November 1 alone. The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's pollution reportedly increased to 18.57% on Sunday.
The forecast for the coming days is also worrying. The Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System has indicated that Delhi's air quality could remain in the ‘Poor’ category on November 2 and 3 before deteriorating to ‘Very Poor’ on November 4. The outlook for the following six days suggests that pollution levels are likely to remain between the ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ categories.
With Diwali approaching, the possibility of additional pollution from firecrackers has raised further concerns. Authorities have already introduced pollution-control restrictions, including curbs on dust-generating construction activities and restrictions on certain vehicles entering the capital.
Doctors advise residents, particularly children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions, to limit prolonged outdoor activities. Wearing suitable masks, avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise and keeping track of daily AQI updates are among the recommended precautions.
Delhi now faces another challenging phase of its annual winter pollution season, with the coming week likely to be crucial in determining how severe the situation becomes.
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