Delhi woke up to a hazardous air quality on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital breaching the 600 mark, reaching a critical 601 around 5:30 am. This extreme pollution level falls under the ‘Hazardous’ classification, making it dangerous for everyone to breathe outdoors. The city is now grappling with its notorious seasonal smog, amplified by cooler weather and minimal wind movement.
The severe pollution isn’t confined to Delhi; nearby cities are also experiencing an air emergency. Noida’s AQI stood at 503 and Gurgaon’s at 515 in the early morning hours, confirming a dire air quality situation across the NCR. Over a dozen monitoring sites in Delhi recorded ‘Hazardous’ conditions, with areas like Burari and Anand Vihar particularly affected. The health impact is severe, with breathing this air likened to smoking more than eight cigarettes daily.
Key factors contributing to this annual pollution surge include crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana, coupled with weather patterns that trap pollutants. Experts urge residents to take precautions: reduce time spent outside, wear high-filtration masks (N95/N99) when outdoors, and ensure children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory or heart issues stay indoors to avoid severe health complications.