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    Delhi-NCR Air Quality Remains in ‘Very Poor’ Zone, AQI Nears 400 Amid Fog and Cold Conditions

    3 hours ago

    Air pollution continued to pose a serious challenge across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining firmly in the “very poor” category. According to official monitoring data, the average AQI was recorded at 397 during the morning hours, reflecting persistently unhealthy air despite a marginal improvement from the previous day.

    The data, released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicated that while pollution levels eased slightly compared to Monday—when the AQI had crossed into the “severe” category at 418—the situation remains a cause for concern, particularly in several densely populated localities.

    Several Areas Continue to Record Severe Pollution

    Multiple monitoring stations across the capital reported AQI levels well above safe limits. Industrial and traffic-heavy zones emerged as the worst affected. Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both registered AQI readings of 444, while Wazirpur recorded an even higher level at 446, placing these areas in the “severe” category.

    Other locations with critically high pollution levels included Punjabi Bagh (437), RK Puram (421), Bawana (418), ITO (414), Chandni Chowk (412), and Dwarka Sector 8 (412). These figures indicate extremely poor air quality, which can significantly impact respiratory health, especially among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.

    As per the standard AQI classification, readings between 301 and 400 are considered “very poor,” while values above 400 fall under the “severe” category, signalling a heightened health risk for the general population.

    Fog and Cold Wave Worsen Conditions

    Weather conditions have further compounded the pollution problem. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog during the early morning hours, with moderate fog observed across several parts of the city and dense fog at isolated locations. Reduced visibility was reported in many areas, affecting road and rail traffic during peak hours.

    The temperature in the capital hovered around 8.2 degrees Celsius in the morning, reflecting ongoing cold wave conditions. Experts note that low wind speeds, cooler temperatures, and fog tend to trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion and leading to a build-up of harmful particulate matter.

    Health Advisory Issued for Residents

    In view of the hazardous air quality, authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. People experiencing breathing difficulties or irritation in the eyes and throat have been urged to seek medical advice. Schools and offices have been asked to follow existing health advisories, especially for young children.

    Medical professionals continue to stress the importance of wearing protective masks outdoors, using air purifiers indoors where possible, and avoiding strenuous physical activity in open areas until air quality improves.

    Weather Outlook for the Coming Days

    According to the IMD’s forecast, Delhi is expected to witness partly cloudy skies over the next few days, with shallow to moderate fog continuing during morning hours.

    • January 20: The maximum temperature is likely to range between 23°C and 25°C, while the minimum may stay between 7°C and 9°C. Winds are expected to blow from the northwest at speeds of up to 10 kmph in the morning, increasing slightly during the afternoon.

    • January 21: Similar weather conditions are expected, with minimum temperatures dipping to 6°C–8°C and maximum temperatures remaining slightly above normal. Fog is likely to persist during early hours.

    • January 22: The sky may turn generally cloudy by afternoon or evening, with fog continuing in the morning. Wind speeds are expected to remain light, which may limit any immediate improvement in air quality.

    Civic Activities Continue Amid Precautions

    Despite the challenging environmental conditions, preparations for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations are ongoing. Rehearsals for the national parade are underway at Kartavya Path, with authorities taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.

    A Continuing Environmental Challenge

    Delhi’s recurring winter pollution crisis underscores the need for sustained measures to control emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities, along with coordinated regional efforts across NCR states. While short-term weather changes can influence daily AQI levels, experts emphasize that long-term solutions remain critical to ensuring cleaner air for residents.

    As pollution levels remain high, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain cautious and follow advisories until a significant improvement in air quality is recorded.

     
     
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