New Delhi: A dense layer of smog has enveloped the ITO area of Delhi, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach a concerning level of 318, categorizing it as ‘Very Poor,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The worsening air quality extends to neighboring regions, with some areas reporting AQI levels as high as 385, classified as ‘Very Poor.’
Notably the situation is particularly alarming around the Akshardham Temple, where the AQI has plummeted to 385, categorized as ‘Very Poor.’ Iconic locations such as Kartavya Path are also shrouded in heavy smog, with an AQI of 328 reported.
Smog engulfs national capital, watch visuals from Kartavya Path
#WATCH | A layer of smog engulfs Kartavya Path and surrounding areas of Delhi as the AQI drops to 328, categorised as ‘ Very Poor’ according to the CPCB pic.twitter.com/nz8gKhxH2P
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2024
AQI across different localities in Delhi
| Location | AQI Level |
| Overall Delhi | 318 |
| Alipur | 320 |
| Anand Vihar | 377 |
| Ashok Vihar | 343 |
| Bawana | 348 |
| Burari | 342 |
| Dwarka Sector 8 | 325 |
| IGI Airport | 316 |
| Jahangirpuri | 355 |
| Mundka | 360 |
| Najafgarh | 317 |
| Narela | 322 |
| Punjabi Bagh | 356 |
| Rohini | 347 |
| Shadipur | 359 |
| Sonia Vihar | 338 |
| Wazirpur | 351 |
Classification of Air Quality Index
| AQI Category (Range) | PM10 24-hr |
PM2.5 24-hr |
NO2 24-hr |
O3 8-hr |
CO 8-hr (mg/m3) |
SO2 24-hr |
NH3 24-hr |
Pb 24-hr |
| Good (0-50) | 0-50 | 0-30 | 0-40 | 0-50 | 0-1.0 | 0-40 | 0-200 | 0-0.5 |
| Satisfactory (51-100) | 51-100 | 31-60 | 41-80 | 51-100 | 1.1-2.0 | 41-80 | 201-400 | 0.5 –1.0 |
| Moderately polluted (101-200) |
101-250 | 61-90 | 81-180 | 101-168 | 2.1- 10 | 81-380 | 401-800 | 1.1-2.0 |
| Poor (201-300) |
251-350 | 91-120 | 181-280 | 169-208 | 10-17 | 381-800 | 801-1200 | 2.1-3.0 |
| Very poor (301-400) |
351-430 | 121-250 | 281-400 | 209-748* | 17-34 | 801-1600 | 1200-1800 | 3.1-3.5 |
| Severe (401-500) |
430 + | 250+ | 400+ | 748+* | 34+ | 1600+ | 1800+ | 3.5+ |
Deteriorating AQI with decline in temperature
As winter approaches, Delhi residents are beginning to feel a slight chill in the air. On Sunday, the maximum temperature reached 35.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.2 degrees above the seasonal norm, according to the weather department. As the cooler weather sets in, pollution levels are on the rise, despite a noted decline in stubble burning incidents this year compared to previous years. Areas such as Anand Vihar, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Patparganj, Rohini, and Wazirpur have all fallen into the red zone for air quality.
Meanwhile, in response to these deteriorating conditions, the Delhi government has activated the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aimed at combating pollution in the capital. This includes a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels and restaurants, as well as restrictions on diesel generator sets, which are only permitted for emergency and essential services.
