Delhi-NCR Suffers Severe Air Pollution, Health Risks Rise Sharply

New Delhi: Air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has escalated to alarming levels, severely affecting daily life and public health. For the past 24 consecutive days, the region has been enveloped in hazardous air quality, with several areas reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, placing the pollution levels in the ‘Severe’ category.

Critical AQI Levels Across Delhi and NCR
Monitoring data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate dangerously high pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 400, Ashok Vihar 385, Bawana 389, Delhi Technological University 396, and Wazirpur also displayed similar critical levels. Other severely affected areas include Pusa, R.K. Puram, Shadipur, Siri Fort, Sonia Vihar, Sri Aurobindo Marg, and Vivek Vihar.

In Noida, the situation remains critical with Sector-125 and Sector-116 registering AQI levels of 418 and 413 respectively. Sector-1 recorded 373 and Sector-62 at 352. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-V reported an alarming 421 AQI, while Knowledge Park-III stood at 339. Gurugram and Ghaziabad are also affected, with Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram area reaching 407 AQI.

Health Risks and Advisory
Medical authorities warn that prolonged exposure to such extreme pollution levels can lead to respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies, and other lung-related illnesses. Hospitals across Delhi-NCR report a significant increase in patients with breathing difficulties. Doctors have urged children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions to exercise extreme caution.

Adverse weather conditions, including low wind speed and fluctuating temperatures, have contributed to the accumulation of pollutants, making dispersion difficult. The India Meteorological Department has indicated that no significant weather changes are expected over the coming week, suggesting that air quality is unlikely to improve soon.

Public Advisory
Citizens are advised to remain indoors unless necessary, use protective masks when stepping outside, and deploy air purifiers at home. Authorities are urged to implement emergency measures immediately to mitigate the health impacts of this persistent air pollution crisis.