New Delhi: National Capital continues to battle hazardous air quality as the overall air pollution in the national capital plummeted to the 'severe' category on Friday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that prominent areas such as Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Dwarka Sector 8 recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels between 402 and 412. On Friday, the minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded at 13.3 degrees Celsius and 25.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.
On Thursday, Delhi reported a 24-hour average AQI of 398, falling within the 'very poor' category. This followed a relatively better AQI of 290 in the 'poor' category on Wednesday. Despite a temporary improvement in AQI earlier in the week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the restrictions imposed under GRAP Stage-III and Stage-IV in the Delhi-NCR region. However, the air quality deteriorated again, reaching the 'severe' category on Friday.
As pollution levels surged, concerns were raised by morning walkers about health issues such as breathing difficulties and itchy eyes. A Delhi resident expressed, "There is a lot of pollution in Delhi. We face difficulty in breathing during morning walks. Although pollution reduced a little due to rain, it is still high. The government does not make enough effort to combat this issue."
According to the meteorological department's forecast, there is no significant change expected in weather conditions in the coming days. In November alone, Delhi witnessed nine days with 'severe' air quality, AQI exceeding 400, and another nine days categorized as "near-severe," registering between 390 and 400.