AQI Crosses 400 as Toxic Air Grips Delhi-NCR Amid Severe Cold Wave

Delhi-NCR continues to battle a dangerous combination of biting cold, dense fog and hazardous air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark in several areas on Saturday. Despite light rainfall in parts of the region, there has been no significant relief from pollution, raising serious health concerns for residents.

According to official data, air quality across the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category. In Delhi, AQI levels were recorded at 343 in Narela, 428 in Nehru Nagar, 373 in Punjabi Bagh, 383 in Pusa and 392 in RK Puram. The situation was particularly alarming in Anand Vihar, where the AQI touched 425, indicating severe pollution. Other areas such as Ashok Vihar (369), Bawana (354), Chandni Chowk (408), the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range area (390) and DTU (339) also reported dangerously high pollution levels.

NCR Areas Also Choking

Pollution levels remained equally worrying in the NCR. In Noida, AQI readings stood at 358 in Sector-125, 364 in Sector-62, 397 in Sector-1 and 365 in Sector-116. Ghaziabad witnessed some of the worst conditions, with Vasundhara recording an AQI of 432, firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Other areas such as Indirapuram (348), Loni (368) and Sanjay Nagar (307) also reported very poor air quality.

Cold and Fog Worsen Conditions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that dense fog covered the region during the morning hours, while temperatures dipped sharply. The minimum temperature hovered around 5–6 degrees Celsius, and the maximum was close to 17 degrees Celsius. High humidity levels further intensified the cold and trapped pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality.

Weather Outlook

IMD forecasts suggest that the cold spell will continue over the next few days. The minimum temperature is expected to fall to around 5 degrees Celsius on January 11, with similar cold and foggy conditions likely to persist on January 12 as well. Although no formal weather warning has been issued, morning and evening hours are expected to remain particularly harsh.

Expert Advice

Experts attribute the persistent pollution to low rainfall and sluggish wind speed, which have prevented the dispersion of pollutants. They have advised children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory ailments to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions.

With toxic air, freezing temperatures and dense fog combining into a severe winter crisis, daily life across Delhi-NCR continues to be disrupted, and significant improvement in conditions appears unlikely in the immediate future.