Delhi Chokes: AQI Crosses 400 in Some Areas, Residents Struggle with Bad Air

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): While the bone-chilling cold continues to trouble residents of Delhi the worsening air pollution has added to their woes causing widespread health issues such as eye irritation and respiratory problems.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 374 as of 8:30 AM on Sunday, indicating a “very poor” air quality level. In neighboring NCR cities, the AQI was recorded as 188 in Faridabad, 278 in Gurugram, 260 in Ghaziabad, 184 in Greater Noida, and 242 in Noida. However, some areas of Delhi reported alarming AQI levels between 400 and 500, including Bawana, Dwarka Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Patparganj, Rohini, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur, categorizing them as “severe.”

The CPCB has warned that there is no expected improvement in air quality over the next six days, with pollution levels likely to remain hazardous until January 11. In response, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) has been implemented across Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address Delhi’s persistent air quality challenges.