• Source:JND
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Air quality in Delhi NCR plummeted to the "very poor" category on Monday, with several areas experiencing hazardous pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Shakarpur and its surrounding regions dropped to 346, as a thick layer of fog engulfed the city, raising health concerns. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, pollution levels are expected to remain in this category for the next three days, posing a significant public health risk.

In other parts of the city, the AQI continued to worsen. SAFAR-India reported that Akshardham temple and surrounding areas recorded an AQI of 307, while India Gate saw a similar situation with an AQI of 309, both categorised as 'very poor.'

Residents expressed frustration over the worsening pollution. Khushal Chaudhary, a local student, shared his concerns, stating, “I find it hard to breathe in the mornings on my way to college. Despite the ban on firecrackers, many were set off yesterday, indicating a lack of government action. The authorities need to take more decisive steps to address the pollution.”

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Meanwhile, stubble burning continues in Punjab, contributing to the deteriorating air quality. Ram Singh, a farmer from Bathinda, voiced his frustrations, saying, “The government must find a long-term solution for stubble burning. We are compelled to burn stubble because no alternatives are provided, yet farmers are blamed for pollution. What about the factories and industries in Delhi and Punjab?”

On Sunday, the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 277, just slightly down from 278 the previous day. Twelve areas of Delhi, including Anand Vihar, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Mundka and Rohini, reported AQI levels exceeding 300, with Anand Vihar's AQI the worst at 359. 

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As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, healthy air requires PM10 levels below 100 micrograms per cubic meter and PM2.5 levels under 60. However, on Sunday, PM10 levels in Delhi stood at 226, while PM2.5 levels were 106, well above the safe limits. These figures indicate that the air harms residents, particularly in the most affected areas.

The forecast for the next few days suggests that wind speeds in Delhi will remain below 12 kmph, contributing to the city's worsening air quality. Slower winds reduce the dispersion of pollutant particles, allowing them to stay in the atmosphere for longer periods. This problem is particularly severe during the night when winds become almost stagnant. As a result, the pollution level is expected to rise further, with no significant improvement predicted before October 26.