Air Pollution: No relief from 'suffocating' air in Delhi, AQI remains in very poor category; crosses 400 in many areas

Pollution persists in the capital due to local factors. With slow wind speeds, the air quality remained in the "very poor" category for the seventh consecutive day. The morning began with a thick layer of haze and fog. A dense blanket of smog was visible, resulting in very low visibility in many areas. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 366 on Sunday morning. This falls into the "very poor" category.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 8 AM, the AQI in various parts of Delhi was recorded as follows: Alipur 391, Anand Vihar 404, Ashok Vihar 392, Aya Nagar 304, Bawana 408, Burari 341, and Chandni Chowk 375.

Other areas recorded the following AQI levels: DTU 400, Dwarka Sector 8 387, IGI Airport T3 314, ITO 370, Jahangirpuri 403, Lodhi Road 339, Mundka 401, Punjabi Bagh 380, RK Puram 381, Rohini 402, Sonia Vihar 370, Vivek Vihar 388, and Wazirpur 405.

A layer of haze was visible around India Gate and Kartavya Path. According to the CPCB, the AQI in the area was recorded at 363, which is also in the "very poor" category.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) forecasts that the air quality will remain in the "very poor" category until Monday. This will cause difficulties for people with respiratory problems. People may also experience problems such as eye irritation, cough, itching, and headaches. MCD issues fines worth Rs 54.98 lakh for violation of air pollution norms.

In its drive against air pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took action against biomass burning, illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and other violations during the month of December. The MCD issued fines worth Rs 54.98 lakh during this period. Additionally, 34 illegal jeans dyeing units were sealed. According to the MCD, 7,023 challans were issued for illegal dumping of C&D waste and other air pollution-related offenses, amounting to Rs 43.26 lakh. A comprehensive inspection drive was conducted between December 1 and 20, with 356 surveillance teams deployed across all 12 zones. During this period, the MCD took action against 420 violators, imposing fines of approximately Rs 11.72 lakh. Action was also taken against violations related to construction and demolition activities, resulting in fines of Rs 33.95 lakh. Last week, 34 illegal jeans dyeing units were also sealed.