The national capital’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, with pollution levels breaching the 400-mark in several areas, pushing the city into the ‘severe’ category and making it one of the most polluted cities in the country.

Pollution spikes across multiple monitoring stations

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 361 at 4 pm, worsening to 372 by 6 pm. Real-time data from the CPCB’s Sameer app showed that 15 out of 39 monitoring stations in the city recorded AQI readings of 400 or above by Saturday evening.

The most polluted locations included Alipur (417), ITO (408), Punjabi Bagh (404), Nehru Nagar (407), Patparganj (403), Ashok Vihar (402), Sonia Vihar (401), Jahangirpuri (409), Vivek Vihar (415), Wazirpur (424), and Bawana (424).

At Burari Crossing and Narela, AQI levels hovered around 420, indicating highly toxic air conditions. Commuters and pedestrians were seen wearing masks while navigating through dense smog near Kartavya Path and other central Delhi areas.

NCR cities record ‘very poor’ air quality

Neighbouring cities also reported poor air quality. Noida recorded an AQI of 354, Greater Noida 336, and Ghaziabad 339, all falling in the ‘very poor’ category, according to CPCB data cited by PTI.

On Friday, Delhi had recorded an AQI of 322, topping the list of India’s most polluted cities. The primary pollutants remained PM2.5 and PM10, both of which continue to be present in dangerous concentrations.

GRAP-3 not yet in force despite worsening conditions

Despite the worsening air quality, GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan Stage-3) has not yet been implemented. The authorities said the threshold for the ‘severe’ category had just been crossed, and enforcement measures could be triggered if conditions persist or worsen in the coming days.

Under GRAP-3, restrictions such as banning non-essential construction, halting stone crushing, and limiting truck entry into the city are typically introduced.

Experts warn of prolonged ‘very poor’ spell

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has predicted that the city’s air quality will remain in the ‘very poor’ range over the next few days due to calm winds and high humidity that prevent pollutant dispersion.

Environmental experts warn that exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. “Sustained AQI above 400 is hazardous even for healthy individuals, and can cause severe discomfort to children and the elderly,” said a CPCB scientist.

AQI categories explained

As per CPCB classification:

  • 0–50: Good
  • 51–100: Satisfactory
  • 101–200: Moderate
  • 201–300: Poor
  • 301–400: Very poor
  • 401–500: Severe

Conclusion

With Delhi’s air quality worsening rapidly and several areas entering the ‘severe’ category, residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure and use protective masks. Authorities may soon activate stricter pollution control measures if the trend continues.