Delhi-NCR’s fragile air quality has crumbled back to severe levels, barely a day after improvement. Red zone AQI readings dominate, intensified by relentless fog and piercing winter chill, turning daily life into a health ordeal.
Pollution boards report over 300 AQI in hotspots: Delhi’s Anand Vihar (334), Chandni Chowk (323), Nehru Nagar (329), Okhla Phase-2 (310), Patparganj (301), R.K. Puram (300). Nearby, Punjabi Bagh (298), Rohini (281), Ashok Vihar (287). Better air at Aya Nagar (149) and Pusa (187).
Ghaziabad mirrors the distress with Indirapuram (332), Loni (314), Vasundhara (318). Noida sectors: 125 (304), 1 (307), 116 (294), 62 (231).
IMD’s outlook is grim: Today’s dense fog slashed visibility, temps at 20°C max/8°C min. Moderate fog likely February 4-5 (21/9), and mornings of February 6-8 (22-23/9-10). Cold winds from snow-hit hills, plus stagnant air, are locking in pollutants.
Advisories urge caution in low-visibility hours. As winter grips tighter, authorities must ramp up measures like odd-even schemes or construction halts to avert a full-blown crisis. Residents, stay indoors when possible and monitor health closely.