Delhi Pollution Rises Again, IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Air quality in the national capital has worsened once again, reaching severe levels in several areas. Residents are struggling to breathe through the toxic air, and visibility on roads was notably low during early morning hours.

Critical Pollution Levels Recorded
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 410, placing them in the severe category. Other hotspots included Dhaula Kuan at 252 AQI and ITO at 379 AQI. On Friday evening, the city’s 24-hour average AQI was 332, compared to 234 on Thursday.

Rapid Deterioration on Saturday
On Saturday morning at 11 am, AQI stood at 320, up from 218 the previous day at the same time. By 2 pm, many areas had entered the severe category: Jahangirpuri recorded 403, and Anand Vihar 405. By 6 pm, pollution levels had further escalated across the city: Bawana 423, Vivek Vihar 418, Jahangirpuri 414, Narela 413, Anand Vihar 406, Rohini 405, DTU 404, and Nehru Nagar 403.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that low wind speeds in the early morning allowed pollutants to accumulate, while brief winds from the southwest reached only 10 km/h during the day. IMD has issued a yellow alert warning of moderate to dense fog in the morning hours. Minimum temperatures are expected to range between 6–8°C on Saturday and 5–7°C on Sunday, during which pollution levels may remain high.