Delhi : Breathes Slightly Easier After Severe Pollution Spell, But Air Quality Remains a Serious Concern

Delhi: Delhi witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Tuesday morning as a three-day stretch of severe air pollution finally came to an end. The city’s average Air Quality Index slipped below the “severe” threshold and settled in the “very poor” category. While this change brought a brief sense of relief, overall pollution levels across the national capital continued to remain alarming, offering little comfort to residents already affected by prolonged exposure to polluted air.

Current Air Quality Status Across the City

Despite the slight improvement in the overall average, data from monitoring stations revealed that the situation on the ground remained uneven and concerning. Several areas continued to record dangerously high pollution levels. Out of all reporting stations, a large number still fell under the most critical categories. More than twenty locations were classified as “severe,” while several others remained in the “very poor” range. Only one station managed to record air quality in the “poor” category, highlighting how widespread the problem continues to be across the city.

Areas Reporting the Worst Pollution Levels

Certain industrial and traffic-heavy regions once again emerged as pollution hotspots. Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI reading, crossing the mid-440s, making it the most polluted location in the city on Tuesday morning. Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri followed closely, both registering AQI levels well above 440. These areas have historically struggled with air quality issues due to dense population, vehicular congestion, and nearby industrial activity, and the current data reflects a continuation of that trend.

Understanding AQI Classification and Health Implications

According to the classification system used by the Central Pollution Control Board, air quality is divided into six categories ranging from “good” to “severe.” An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered “severe,” a level at which even healthy individuals may experience respiratory discomfort, while people with existing health conditions face serious risks. The “very poor” category, where Delhi currently stands, is only marginally better and still poses significant health hazards, especially for children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart conditions.

Three Days of Persistent Severe Pollution

The improvement on Tuesday came after three consecutive days of extremely poor air conditions. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the city’s AQI consistently crossed the 400 mark. This prolonged spell of severe pollution prompted authorities to take emergency action. Restrictions under the highest stage of pollution control measures were enforced, aiming to curb emissions from construction, vehicles, and certain industrial activities. These steps, while necessary, also disrupted daily life and economic activity across the city.

Administrative Measures and Ongoing Monitoring

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented stringent control measures to prevent the situation from worsening further. Continuous monitoring through official platforms has allowed authorities to track pollution trends in real time. However, experts note that short-term restrictions alone are not enough, and long-term structural solutions are required to address the root causes of Delhi’s air pollution problem.

Forecast for the Coming Days

According to the Air Quality Warning System, there is little immediate hope for a significant improvement. Forecasts suggest that air quality is likely to remain in the “very poor” category over the next couple of days. This indicates that while the city may have narrowly escaped the “severe” label for now, residents should continue to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities whenever possible.

Weather Conditions and Their Limited Impact

Weather conditions on Tuesday offered minimal relief from pollution. The minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to just above seven degrees Celsius, contributing to stable atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants closer to the ground. Several areas recorded slightly higher minimum temperatures, but the overall cold conditions, combined with moderate fog expected during the day, are not favorable for dispersing pollutants. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around the mid-twenties, which may bring some daytime comfort but is unlikely to significantly improve air quality.

A Continuing Environmental Challenge

Delhi’s brief dip from “severe” to “very poor” air quality underscores the fragile nature of environmental improvements in the city. Without sustained efforts, favorable weather changes, and long-term policy interventions, such marginal improvements may remain temporary. For now, residents continue to navigate daily life under polluted skies, hoping for cleaner air in the days ahead.