• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Delhi Pollution: After eight days of fluctuating air quality, Delhi's pollution levels have once again fallen into the very poor category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing 400 on Monday evening. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI exceeded 400 at 20 out of 37 monitoring stations in the capital by 7 PM, pushing air quality in those areas into the severe category.

Anand Vihar recorded the highest level of pollution. Experts warn that low wind speeds combined with fog could lead to a thicker layer of smog on Tuesday, with the average AQI potentially remaining above 400. Following this, air quality is forecasted to remain in the very poor category on Wednesday and Thursday.

ALSO READ: 'One Nation One Election' Bill Likely To Be Introduced In Lok Sabha Tomorrow, BJP Issues Whip To MPs

On Monday, the CPCB reported that Delhi's average AQI was 379, which rose to 394 by the evening. Another pollution monitoring source, IQSER, indicated a similar trend, with the AQI increasing from 367 in the afternoon to 392 later in the day. A week earlier, on December 8, the AQI was recorded at 302, categorised as very poor. The day before, on Sunday, it was 294, also in the poor category.

Throughout December, Delhi's air quality has been classified as moderate for six days, poor for eight days and very poor for two days. The CPCB attributed the recent spike in pollution levels to low wind speeds, which ranged from four to six kilometres per hour, preventing pollutants from dispersing effectively. Consequently, the concentration of PM-10 particles reached 322 micrograms per cubic metre, approximately three times the acceptable limit.

Additionally, the levels of PM-2.5 were recorded at 194.4 micrograms per cubic metre, also around three times higher than the normal standard. The Decision Support System (DSS) from IIITM Pune noted that vehicle emissions and factory smoke are major contributors to Delhi's pollution. However, specific data on the pollution sources for Monday was not released.

ALSO READ: Grap 3 Reinforced In Delhi As Air Quality Worsens: What Is It? A Look At Restrictions Amid Rising Pollution

At 7 PM, THESE Areas Reported Highest AQI:

Anand Vihar: 455

Jahangirpuri: 442

Punjabi Bagh: 441

Rohini: 441

Nehru Nagar: 440

Wazirpur: 440

Residents are urged to take precautions as the air quality continues to pose health risks.