Delhi Pollution: The air quality crisis continues in the capital, with the AQI at dangerous levels; the air is in the very poor category.

Slow wind speeds and adverse weather conditions have turned Delhi into a gas chamber. The air quality was recorded in the severe category on Wednesday morning. It had already reached the severe category on Tuesday. ​​The day began with a thick layer of mist and fog, along with a visible layer of smog. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 355 on Wednesday morning. This falls under the extremely poor air quality category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 8 AM, the AQI in various parts of Delhi was recorded as follows: Alipur 333, Anand Vihar 374, Ashok Vihar 362, Aya Nagar 271, Bawana 352, Burari 320, and Chandni Chowk 382.

Other areas recorded the following AQI levels: DTU 361, Dwarka Sector 8 371, IGI Airport T3 273, Jahangirpuri 373, Lodhi Road 330, Mundka 378, Punjabi Bagh 366, RK Puram 366, Rohini 367, Sonia Vihar 352, Vivek Vihar 373, and Wazirpur 368.

Why is Delhi's air quality deteriorating?

According to experts, the main reason for the persistently severe air quality is the prevailing weather pattern. According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet, the drop in temperature has led to a significant increase in pollution levels, and the Western Disturbance on Tuesday also contributed to this, as it prevents the cold air trapped near the ground from rising. Pollutants such as vehicle exhaust and construction dust accumulate in this cold air. Since the pollutants cannot rise, they remain trapped very close to the ground. When there is no rain and the wind is also slow, the trapped pollution cannot disperse, making the situation much worse.

What does the Air Quality Index indicate?

If the air is clean, it is represented by a value between 0 and 50 on the index. Satisfactory air quality is indicated when the index is between 51 and 100. A value of 101-200 means the air pollution level is moderate, while a value between 201 and 300 indicates poor air quality, and a value between 301 and 400 signifies very poor air quality. In the 401 to 500 range, the air quality becomes severe. In such a situation, it is harmful to human health. It can be life-threatening for people already suffering from illnesses.