New Delhi: A layer of pollution continues to linger in Delhi and its surrounding cities, with air quality consistently remaining in the ‘very poor’ category, raising concerns about public health.
According to air quality tracker aqi.in, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 435 at 7:30 am on Tuesday.
Particulate matter levels in the capital remain dangerously high. At 7 am, the concentration of PM 2.5 was 294 μg/m³, while PM 10 reached 396 μg/m³. For comparison, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that 24-hour exposure to PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³, and PM 10 levels should remain below 45 μg/m³, highlighting the severity of the current pollution crisis.
The situation in other NCR cities was similarly alarming. At 7:34 am, Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQI levels of 456 and 455, respectively, while Ghaziabad recorded 454. In Haryana, Faridabad recorded 444 and Gurugram 404, indicating that poor air quality is widespread across the region.
The worsening air pollution is causing serious health problems for Delhiites, such as watery eyes, asthma symptoms, itchy skin, and throat irritation.
Prolonged exposure can lead to serious complications such as persistent cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, which is implemented when the AQI is between 401 and 450 or is expected to rise in this range. Stage III measures include a ban on construction activity, increased monitoring of industrial emissions, and traffic management strategies aimed at reducing pollution levels.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and urging people, especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and exercise caution until air quality improves.
While people are concerned about the impact of volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia, which recently drifted across the Arabian Sea into northern India, its exact impact on Delhi’s air quality is not yet certain.
