Delhi Air Quality Remains “Severe” with AQI at 414, Health Risks Rise
Delhi records severe air pollution for second day.
Delhi's air quality remained in the "severe" category for the second consecutive day on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 414 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This followed Tuesday's peak reading of 423, the highest of the season. The persistent hazardous conditions have enveloped the city in dense smog, reducing visibility and elevating health risks across all population groups.
The Central government implemented Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the crisis. Restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, limitations on diesel generator use, and curbs on older vehicles entering the city. These actions aim to reduce emissions from major pollution sources, though their effectiveness depends on compliance and regional coordination.
The CPCB classifies AQI as follows: 0–50 "good," 51–100 "satisfactory," 101–200 "moderate," 201–300 "poor," 301–400 "very poor," and 401–500 "severe." Delhi has recorded AQI in the "poor" to "very poor" range since Diwali, with multiple instances crossing into "severe." Elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 dominate the pollutant mix, originating from vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, and crop residue burning in nearby states.
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Weather conditions have contributed to the stagnation. The minimum temperature dropped to 10.4 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees below normal, while the maximum is expected to reach 27 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department has forecast shallow fog during the day, which can trap pollutants near the surface and prevent dispersion.
Health authorities report increased hospital visits for respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly. Schools in affected areas have shifted to online learning, and public advisories recommend minimizing outdoor exposure. Long-term exposure to AQI above 400 is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, making sustained intervention critical for public health.
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