Delhi AQI 2 points away from ‘very poor’ range, thick blanket of smog shrouds capital as pollution woes continue

Delhi AQI Nears ‘Very Poor’ Category as Thick Smog Engulfs Capital; Pollution Concerns Intensify

Delhi AQI: Delhi woke up on Monday under a thick blanket of smog, with visibility dipping and air quality rapidly deteriorating across the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several regions hovered dangerously close to the ‘very poor’ category, intensifying public health concerns as winter approaches.

AQI Inches Towards ‘Very Poor’ Zone

According to pollution monitoring agencies, the overall AQI for Delhi stood just two points short of slipping into the ‘very poor’ category, reflecting a steady rise in pollutant concentration.

What the Numbers Indicate

The “poor” category ranges between 201–300.
“Very poor” begins at 301, a threshold Delhi is nearing once again.
Several hotspots like Anand Vihar, RK Puram, and Mundka recorded even higher particulate levels.

Thick Smog Lowers Visibility

A dense haze was visible from early morning hours, triggered by a combination of cold air, low wind speed, and emission buildup.
Experts attribute the worsening smog to:

Meteorological Triggers

Reduced wind movement
Increased humidity
Inversion layer trapping pollutants near ground level

Local Pollution Sources

Vehicular emissions
Industrial activities
Construction dust

The Times of India reported that despite a brief improvement over the weekend—when AQI shifted from “very poor” to “poor”—the improvement was short-lived.

Political Reactions Escalate Amid Pollution Woes

Amid deteriorating air quality, a political controversy has taken shape as leaders spar over pollution management strategies.
The issue resurfaced prominently following a dispute over public remarks made by political representatives, adding tension to an already critical civic concern.

Health Risks Spike for Vulnerable Groups

Doctors warn that even AQI levels in the “poor” category can severely impact:

High-risk groups include:

Children
Elderly citizens
Individuals with asthma, bronchitis, or cardiac issues

Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) during smog-heavy days can lead to:

Shortness of breath
Eye and throat irritation
Worsening of respiratory diseases

Authorities Urge Caution and Preventive Measures

Government agencies have advised residents to take precautionary steps as air quality fluctuates:

Recommended Safety Measures

Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure
Use certified N95/N99 masks
Keep air purifiers running indoors
Restrict outdoor activities for children

The Delhi government is expected to review the next stage of the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) if AQI crosses the “very poor” threshold.

Looking Ahead: Will AQI Improve or Worsen?

Meteorological forecasts suggest that the situation may remain unstable over the next few days, with no significant wind patterns expected to disperse pollutants.
A clearer picture will emerge as temperature and wind trends shift later in the week.

Conclusion

Delhi’s proximity to the “very poor” AQI bracket underscores the capital’s ongoing struggle with winter pollution. As smog thickens and debates intensify, the coming days will be critical in determining both policy response and public health outcomes.