Delhi witnessed a sharp decline in air quality on Wednesday, as the majority of monitoring stations throughout the national capital registered Air Quality Index (AQI) readings falling within the very poor to severe categories. This widespread pollution spike has heightened significant health risks for the city's inhabitants.
Data from individual monitoring stations highlighted that areas with high industrial activity and heavy traffic bore the brunt of the deterioration.
The highest AQI was observed in Bawana at 378, with Mundka close behind at 370, followed by Pusa at 365 and Rohini at 364. Stations including ITO, Wazirpur, Nehru Nagar (ranging from 360 to 361), as well as Jahangirpuri and NSIT Dwarka (both at 361) also recorded elevated levels. These figures approach the severe threshold, where extended exposure may lead to respiratory issues even among healthy people.
Numerous residential and commercial areas similarly experienced concerning pollution readings. Ashok Nagar registered 350, DTU 357, Sirifort 356, Vivek Vihar 354, Shadipur 343, RK Puram 342, Dwarka Sector 8 342, and Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range 342, underscoring the broad extent of the air quality decline. In central and older parts of the city, such as Chandni Chowk (328), Punjabi Bagh (339), Patparganj (331), and North Campus at Delhi University (319), AQI values remained solidly in the very poor range.
Even zones that are typically greener or less traffic-congested were affected by the pollution blanket. Lodhi Road reported 289 and CRRI Mathura Road 297, both nearing the boundary between poor and very poor categories. Aya Nagar recorded 272, while IGI Airport Terminal 3 showed 263, indicating levels that, though relatively lower, continue to pose health concerns. The least affected stations included IHBAS in Dilshad Garden at 247 and Mandir Marg at 257, both staying within the poor category.
Also Read: Dense smog, 'severe' AQI hit Delhi; Flight operations affected
According to AQI.in, breathing the air in the city is as harmful as smoking 8.5 cigarettes a day. It advised residents to turn on their air purifiers, have car filters, use N95 masks and stay indoors. It also gave some common do's and don'ts:
Do’s:
– Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows shut to minimise exposure to polluted air.
– Follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications regularly.
– Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, particularly in bedrooms and common living spaces.
Don’ts:
– Avoid smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
– Refrain from outdoor workouts or any strenuous physical activity outside.
Here is an area-wise list of AQI levels at 7am Wednesday:
Alipur - 314
Anand Vihar - 341
Ashok Nagar - 350
Aya Nagar - 272
Bawana - 378
Burari Crossing - 299
CRRI Mathura Road - 297
Chandni Chowk - 328
DTU - 357
Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range - 342
Dwarka Sector 8 - 342
IGI Airport T3 - 263
IHBAS, Dilshad Garden - 247
IIT Delhi - 300
ITO - 360
Jahangirpuri - 361
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - 324
Lodhi Road - 289
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium - 302
Mandir Marg - 257
Mundka - 370
NSIT Dwarka - 361
Najafgarh - 304
Narela - 341
Nehru Nagar - 361
North Campus, DU - 319
Okhla Phase-2 - 338
Patparganj - 331
Punjabi Bagh - 339
Pusa - 365
RK Puram - 342
Rohini - 364
Shadipur - 343
Sirifort - 356
Sonia Vihar - 345
Sri Aurobindo Marg - 312
Vivek Vihar - 354
Wazirpur - 360
Also Read: 61 flights cancelled, over 400 delayed due to Delhi smog
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