: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Friday, November 13, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 403 in the morning and entering the severe category for the first time this season. Although sunshine and a slight increase in wind speed brought some improvement during the day, the city’s average AQI stood at 373 at 4 pm, keeping Delhi among the most polluted cities in the country. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s national air quality bulletin covering 281 cities, Haryana’s Ballabhgarh ranked first with an AQI of 400, followed by Delhi at 373. Ghaziabad recorded 368, Greater Noida 348 and Gurugram 324, placing all five locations in the Delhi-NCR region. Several Delhi Areas Record Severe Pollution The situation remained particularly concerning at individual monitoring stations. IIT Delhi recorded the highest AQI of 477 at 4 pm, while several other locations also reported severe pollution levels. Earlier in the morning, IIT Delhi’s AQI had reached 488, while Chandni Chowk and North Campus recorded 479 and 478, respectively. Transport Emerges as a Major Pollution Source According to the Decision Support System, the transport sector contributed 18.5 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Friday, making it the largest identified source. Weak winds and unfavourable weather conditions also prevented pollutants from dispersing, resulting in dense smog and reduced visibility across the capital. Residents reported eye irritation, throat discomfort, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. No Immediate Relief Expected The air quality forecasting system indicated that pollution levels were likely to remain in the very poor category from November 14 to 16, with similar conditions expected over the following days. Low wind speeds and poor ventilation conditions are likely to continue trapping pollutants close to the ground, prolonging the pollution crisis across Delhi-NCR.
Hashtags: #DelhiState #Delhi #Becomes #India #Second #Most #Polluted #City #Aqi #DelhiBecomesIndiaS
