Delhi air quality enters severe category as AQI crosses 400
Pollution levels in the capital reached their highest in 288 days with several monitoring stations recording severe air quality.
Air quality in Delhi reached the severe category on Wednesday and Thursday, with several areas recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, according to reports by Prabhat Khabar and Outlook. On Wednesday, the city's overall AQI was 377, the highest reading in 288 days since January 20.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that Nauroji Nagar Ring Road recorded an AQI of 416 and AIIMS recorded 402. Other areas with high readings included IIT Delhi at 458, Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh at 448, and Mundka at 439. On Thursday morning, the AQI near India Gate was 399.
Stubble burning contributed 20.2 per cent to the pollution on Wednesday, while transport emissions accounted for 15.5 per cent. PM10 was the main pollutant on Wednesday, replacing PM2.5. Satellite data from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) recorded 467 farm fires across six states on November 4.
Dr Ambrish Mithal, Group Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Max Healthcare, warned of the impact on cardiovascular health and diabetes. A 2023 study indicated that increased annual exposure to PM2.5 is linked to a 22 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that pollution levels could enter the severe category again on November 6 and 7. Authorities advise people, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use N95 masks.