Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Monday, with weak surface winds trapping pollutants close to the ground and keeping the Air Quality Index (AQI) firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall AQI stood at 324 at 6:05 am, as per data from the Sameer app.

Capital records second consecutive ‘very poor’ air day

The national capital recorded an AQI of 366 on Sunday, also in the ‘very poor’ range. Three monitoring stations even touched ‘severe’ levels above 400. Most of the 39 active monitoring stations across Delhi reported AQI readings above 300, highlighting widespread pollution across the region.

Among the worst-affected areas were Burari Crossing (384), Narela (386), Anand Vihar (371), Wazirpur (389), Mundka (343), and Rohini (363).

Neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) also reported poor air quality — Noida (311), Ghaziabad (334), and Gurugram (304) — all falling under the ‘very poor’ category.

Calm winds worsen pollution levels

The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi attributed the latest spike in pollution to calm winds, which slowed to below 8 kmph on Sunday evening. Reduced wind speed limits pollutant dispersion, allowing fine particles to accumulate near the surface.

“Atmospheric conditions are currently unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, leading to their gradual build-up,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Meteorology. He noted that while winds briefly strengthened to 10 kmph on Sunday afternoon, the improvement was temporary.

The wind direction varied through the day but turned westerly and northwesterly in the afternoon — directions known to transport stubble smoke from neighbouring states into Delhi.

Particulate levels remain high

On Sunday evening, the PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 189.6 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 stood at 316, according to CPCB data.

For context, PM2.5 refers to fine particles 2.5 micrometres or smaller, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, while PM10 includes larger particles up to 10 micrometres in diameter.

Medical experts warn that such pollution levels can lead to breathing difficulties, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.

AQI expected to stay ‘very poor’ till November 4

The AQEWS forecast indicates that the capital’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category until November 4, with only marginal improvement expected if wind speeds increase.

While Delhi has not yet recorded a ‘severe’ air day this year, experts caution that one could occur this week. The last time Delhi’s AQI entered the ‘severe’ category was on December 23, 2024, when it touched 406.

Growing public concern over smog

Public frustration is mounting as smog continues to blanket the capital. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take joint action to “clear the filthy smog,” assuring full cooperation to tackle the crisis.

Meanwhile, Delhi residents are being advised to limit outdoor exposure, especially during early morning and late evening hours when pollutant concentration peaks.