Delhi Smothered by Toxic Smog, AQI Surges to 324; Air Quality ‘Very Poor’

Delhi Chokes as Toxic Smog Pushes AQI to 324, Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’

Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Friday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 324, placing the city firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data from the Sameer app.

Several areas across the capital reported hazardous levels of pollution. Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 336, RK Puram 374, Wazirpur 358, and Narela 330. Other major locations, including Chandni Chowk (352), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (329), and Burari Crossing (326), also fell under the very poor category.

Neighboring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) fared similarly, with Noida at 333, Greater Noida 304, and Ghaziabad 318, all in the very poor range.

Visuals from Anand Vihar showed a dense layer of smog shrouding the area, severely limiting visibility and raising health concerns for residents.

The CPCB categorizes AQI as follows: 0-50 ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Delhi’s air quality has fluctuated sharply over the past week, with AQI readings of 279 on November 30, 304 on December 1, 372 on December 2, 342 on December 3, and 299 on December 4.

The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that pollution levels will remain in the very poor range for the coming days, urging residents to take precautions, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.