Delhi’s air quality has sharply deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark in several parts of the city, marking a shift into the ‘severe’ pollution category just before the Diwali festival. On October 19, areas like Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 426, while other localities including Vivek Vihar (349), Dwarka (327), Ashok Vihar (304), and RK Puram (322) logged readings in the “very poor” or worse categories.
This surge in pollution is attributed to multiple factors: vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighboring states, dust, and the increasing use of firecrackers as the festive week approaches. Experts warn that the current pollution level is equivalent to smoking over six cigarettes a day due to the high concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) recorded at 174 µg/m³, which far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 15 µg/m³.
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The worsening air quality brings serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Medical experts advise residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and stay indoors as much as possible during this period of toxic air.
Local weather conditions, including high humidity, low wind speeds, and dropping temperatures, are contributing to trapping pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating the situation. Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions seriously and hope for improvement after Diwali when celebrations and associated pollution subside.
