Delhi-NCR air pollution: Thick blanket of smog engulfed Delhi, Noida and other regions on Wednesday morning leading to reduced visibility as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital crossed the 350-mark and continued to remain ‘very poor’.
According to data by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was at 361 at 8 am. However, the Aya Nagar station reported the worst air quality with the AQI at 417 (severe), followed by Anand Vihar at 399 (very poor), ANI reported.
The smog, combined with shallow to moderate fog and mist, led to reduced visibility during the morning hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a 100% humidity level on Wednesday morning. This has added to the pollution woes. High humidity combined with low wind speeds has intensified the already dense smog, making it harder for pollutants to disperse.
Furthermore, the weather department has forecast shallow to moderate fog in many parts of Delhi on Thursday morning as well, which will further reduce visibility and worsen pollution, Indian Express reported.
The national capital’s air quality was flagged as critical on Tuesday, with the city’s AQI averaging 355. The second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been in place in Delhi.
The AQI has been in the ‘very poor’ category since October 30, when it was recorded at 307. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana after harvesting the paddy crop in October and November is mostly blamed for Delhi’s rise in air pollution.
Stubble burning also leads to deterioration in the air quality in the surrounding regions. The air quality was recorded ‘very poor’ in Chandigarh on Tuesday, with AQI levels higher than Delhi.