Delhi’s air quality has failed to improve significantly, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 359 recorded on Saturday morning. Despite a minor dip from Friday’s 364, a suffocating layer of toxic smog continues to dominate the cityscape.
The ITO area is breathing severely polluted air with an AQI of 370. Noida’s Sector 125 has also seen its air quality stay in the ‘severe’ category, registering an AQI of 434, though slightly down from yesterday. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park 5 reported an AQI of 393, while Knowledge Park 3 showed a ‘poor’ AQI of 294.
Commuters and residents experienced reduced visibility in many prominent areas. India Gate was shrouded in dense smog, with its AQI at 370. The Akshardham region faced ‘severe’ air quality at 422. The Indira Gandhi International Airport area saw some improvement, with an AQI of 296, falling into the ‘poor’ category.
Several localities are grappling with hazardous air. Bawana, an industrial zone, recorded a ‘severe’ AQI of 419. Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar are also experiencing ‘severe’ air quality, with AQIs of 422 and 403 respectively. Aya Nagar and Rohini reported AQIs of 330 and 414, categorized as ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’.
Across the National Capital Region (NCR), Gurugram’s Sector 51 had an AQI of 323. Teri Gram was at 212 in the ‘poor’ range, and NISE Gwal Pahari registered 312.
In light of the alarming air pollution, the Delhi High Court has imposed a ban on all outdoor sports events. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 restrictions have been active since November 11, aiming to control pollution by limiting construction, industrial activities, and vehicular movement.