Delhi's Air Quality Index Hits 307, First Time This Season
Delhi experiences a significant drop in air quality, with the AQI reaching 307, marking the first occurrence of 'very poor' air this season.
Delhi's AQI crossed 300 for the first time this season, reaching 307 on Monday morning.
36 out of 58 monitoring stations reported 'very poor' air quality, with one station recording a severe AQI of 417.
Meteorologists predict worsening smog conditions in the coming days due to unfavorable weather.
On Monday morning, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) surged to 307, categorizing it as 'very poor' for the first time this season. This sharp decline in air quality follows a brief respite from pollution levels due to recent rainfall, which had temporarily cleared the air. The city had recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261 on Sunday, a significant drop from the previous day's moderate level of 117.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that of the 59 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 36 indicated 'very poor' air quality, while Jahangirpuri was the only station classified as 'severe' with an alarming AQI of 417. Five stations reported 'moderate' air quality, and the rest fell into the 'poor' category. The primary pollutant in the air was identified as PM2.5, affecting 51 of the 58 reporting stations.
Historically, Delhi last experienced 'very poor' air quality on February 11, 2023, when the AQI reached 305. The current rise in pollution levels coincides with the approaching Diwali festival, a time when firecracker usage typically exacerbates air quality issues. Additionally, satellite data revealed a concerning number of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, which contribute to the pollution.
Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya has indicated that the smog season has officially begun, with predictions of worsening conditions in the coming days. He noted that many AQI sensors across Delhi NCR are now reporting levels above 300, with some nearing the 400-500 range. The current weather patterns, characterized by calm winds from the northwest, are expected to trap emissions in the atmosphere, prolonging their presence and impact on air quality.
Looking ahead, Dahiya warned that no favorable meteorological conditions are anticipated over the next week to ten days, suggesting that residents of Delhi-NCR should prepare for increasingly poor air quality. The situation calls for heightened awareness and potential public health measures as the city braces for a challenging smog season.
