Delhi Pollution: 'Toxic' air in Delhi, AQI crosses 400, severe level of air pollution in NCR

The air pollution situation in the capital, Delhi, remains extremely worrying. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index in the Ghazipur area was recorded at 441, which falls in the 'severe' category. This severe level of air pollution has led to a thick blanket of smog covering many parts of Delhi, including Ghazipur.

Little relief from toxic air in Faridabad

Faridabad's pollution levels remain concerning. Insufficient data is available in Ballabhgarh, while the NIT area recorded an AQI of 266 (severe), Sector 11, 245 (poor), and Sector 30, 205 (moderate to poor). PM2.5 and PM10 are the main pollutants. Experts advise limiting outdoor time, wearing masks, and being cautious about health effects.

Severe Air Pollution Levels

An air quality index between 401 and 500 is considered 'severe'. This level of pollution is extremely harmful to health. Severe air pollution can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments. This situation can prove fatal, especially for children, the elderly, and those already suffering from respiratory problems. Smog also significantly reduces visibility, potentially impacting road and air traffic.

AQI reaches this level in Delhi-NCR

The air quality in the capital reached the threshold of the severe category on Sunday. The morning began with haze and light fog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 391, which falls into the very poor category. This is an increase of 21 points compared to Saturday. Ghaziabad's air quality was the most polluted in the NCR, with an AQI of 437, which falls into the severe category. Faridabad's air quality was the cleanest, with an AQI of 237, which falls into the poor category.

According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi, vehicular pollution was 18.45 percent. Apart from this, pollution caused by stubble burning was 2.47, construction activities 2.72, and residential areas' contribution was 4.63 percent. According to CPCB, the amount of PM10 in the air was recorded at 373.3 and PM2.5 at 215.8 micrograms per cubic meter at 3 pm. The air may remain in the very poor category till Tuesday. At many monitoring stations, the air was recorded in severe, and at many in very poor.