New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 366 from 303 the previous day, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several surrounding cities also recorded alarming levels, including Ghaziabad (351), Gurugram (357), Noida (348), and Greater Noida (340), while Faridabad reported a “poor” AQI of 215.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) attributed the deterioration to weak winds, with speeds dropping below 8 kmph from the northwest during evening and night hours, reducing the dispersion of pollutants. A ventilation index below 6,000 m²/s and wind speeds under 10 kmph are considered unfavourable for pollutant dispersal, the system noted.
Three monitoring stations in Delhi recorded “severe” air quality, with Wazirpur reporting the highest AQI at 413. An additional 28 stations reported “very poor” air quality with readings above 300, highlighting the widespread pollution across the capital. For reference, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” and 401-500 “severe,” as per CPCB standards.
Weather conditions added to the challenge. The maximum temperature in Delhi on Sunday was 30.7°C, slightly below the seasonal average, while the minimum settled at 16.8°C, above normal. Humidity stood at 75 per cent at 5:30 PM. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast shallow fog for Monday, with temperatures expected to range between 15°C and 30°C.
Meanwhile, a ban on the entry of commercial vehicles not registered in Delhi and not compliant with BS-III or lower emission standards came into effect on November 1, aimed at curbing pollution levels in the city. Despite these measures, experts warn that air quality is likely to remain in the “very poor” category at least until November 4.
