New Delhi: The national capital woke up to another grim morning on Monday as air quality across the national capital stayed firmly in the “very poor” zone, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 318 at 7 a.m., data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed.
A dense blanket of smog hung over large parts of the city, sharply reducing visibility and offering little relief from the pollution that has plagued the capital in recent days. Areas such as Anand Vihar, India Gate, Dwarka and ITO were enveloped in thick haze during the early hours, with commuters navigating through murky air and limited sightlines.
Pollution levels remained elevated across most monitoring stations. The AQI at ITO stood at 354, while readings at Ashok Vihar (338), Bawana (368), Burari (327), Chandni Chowk (321) and Dwarka (325) all fell within the “very poor” category, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
Iconic landmarks were barely visible as smog continued to dominate the skyline. India Gate and Kartavya Path were obscured by heavy haze, reflecting the severity of pollution that has shown little improvement since Sunday, when Delhi recorded an AQI of 397, also classified as “very poor.”
Under the CPCB’s grading system, AQI values between 301 and 400 are labelled “very poor,” a range linked to a higher risk of respiratory illnesses even among healthy individuals with prolonged exposure. Values above 400 fall into the “severe” category, considered hazardous for all sections of the population.
For context, AQI readings from 0 to 50 are rated “good,” posing minimal health risks. Levels between 51 and 100 are considered “satisfactory,” though sensitive groups may experience minor discomfort. The “moderate” category, ranging from 101 to 200, can trigger breathing difficulties for those with asthma or heart and lung conditions. AQI values between 201 and 300 fall under the “poor” category, where prolonged exposure can cause respiratory discomfort to most people.
Winter conditions often worsen pollution levels in Delhi, as low wind speeds and temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. Health experts routinely advise residents to limit outdoor activities during such episodes, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.
