Delhi chokes under toxic smog as city records 341 AQI- most areas ‘very poor’; check area-wise list

Delhi continued to struggle under a dense layer of toxic smog on Saturday, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 341, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Despite the marginal improvement from Friday, when the AQI stood at 385, the national capital has now spent nearly half of November breathing hazardous air. It has been five days since GRAP-3 lifted and restrictions were down to GRAP-2, Delhi’s air remains trapped in the “very poor” zone, with no immediate relief in sight.

Residents stepping out for their morning walk at India Gate and Kartavya Path witnessed thick haze, with monuments barely visible. Key monitoring stations in congested neighbourhoods and industrial belts also reported alarming numbers, while PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant across most locations.

As per CPCB data, several parts of the city saw AQI levels well above the daily average. Industrial clusters continued to be the highest hotspots, with areas like Bawana and Narela recording some of the day’s most polluted readings. Okhla Phase II also reported nearly toxic levels despite being marginally lower.

Here’s the latest Delhi AQI showing areas in poor and very poor category

Even crowded areas like Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar remained engulfed in smog, causing alarm about health deterioration. Residents expressed anguish over the prolonged pollution spell, with many reporting breathing discomfort, eye irritation and coughing. Several locals told ANI that despite efforts visible on social media, they are unable to see enough action on the ground.

Delhi CM’s reaction

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta restated the government’s commitment to battle and fight pollution, stating that several measures were under process and being monitored every day.

“The government is monitoring the situation daily and taking appropriate steps regularly. The steps we take today will give results in the future, “ she stated as quoted by ANI.

Gupta, who had a road show in Shalimar Bagh ahead of the MCD by-elections, said she expected strong public support and promised continued efforts to improve the city’s environment.

Meanwhile, environmental experts told ANI that volcanic ash from the Ethiopia eruption was unlikely to have an immediate effect on Delhi’s AQI, though minor effects may appear in the Himalayan and Tarai regions.