New Delhi: Delhi continues to struggle with deteriorating air quality as a thick layer of smog blankets the national capital. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 387 on Thursday night, November 12, while 21 monitoring stations recorded pollution levels in the severe category, highlighting the widespread impact of toxic air.
According to pollution monitoring data, PM2.5 emerged as the dominant pollutant, with its concentration rising sharply amid unfavourable weather conditions. Weak winds, high humidity and a shallow atmospheric mixing layer have restricted the dispersion of pollutants, allowing harmful particles to remain trapped close to the ground.
Weather Conditions May Delay Relief
The situation remained concerning on Friday as well, with the citywide AQI reaching 373. Forecasts indicated that air quality could remain in the very poor category until November 16. Transport emissions were expected to remain a major contributor to the pollution load over the following days, while smoke from crop-residue burning in neighbouring states continued to add to the problem.
However, the latest readings on Saturday, November 14, showed a marginal improvement in Delhi’s overall AQI. The city’s average stood at 348 in the very poor category, although several monitoring stations continued to record severe pollution.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of light rain or drizzle on Sunday, which may help improve air quality.
Health Advisory for Residents
Doctors advise children, elderly people and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activities, use well-fitted N95 masks when necessary and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulty, persistent coughing or chest discomfort.
Despite the marginal improvement, Delhi’s pollution levels remain a serious public health concern.
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