New Delhi, India

Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 500 mark on Sunday (Nov. 3) as the air quality continues to deteriorate. As of 7 am, the air quality in the national capital dipped to the ‘hazardous’ category, which is harmful to the health of residents of Delhi and nearby areas.

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A thick layer of smog blankets the national capital as the AQI levels shot up to 507, as per the IQAir website data. PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR were recorded over 65 times more than the WHO-prescribed limit, which is 15 µg/m3 for 24-hour average exposures. PM2.5 are smaller particles or droplets that are a major component of air pollution, which can result in health issues.

Second-most polluted city in the world

Delhi now ranks second in the most polluted major city ranking, according to IQAir data. The AQI levels in the city soared from 327 to a dangerously high 507 within 12 hours. 

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, weather-monitoring stations at Alipur, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aaya Nagar, Bawana, Burari, Mathura Road, IGI Airport, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Patparganj, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Wazirpur, Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar, Najafgarh and others recorded AQI in ‘very poor’ category.

According to AQI standards, air quality between 200-300 is considered ‘poor’, between 301-400 is ‘very poor’, and above 400 is ‘severe’. Air quality above 300 is considered hazardous for health.

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Delhi air pollution 

On November 1, the city recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category, with AQI recorded in most areas over 350, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), raising health concerns for the people living in and around the national capital.

Despite measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) already being implemented in the city, Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate. GRAP-II was implemented in Delhi-NCR by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 21 after the air quality worsened to ‘very poor’ in the national capital.

(With inputs from agencies)