Delhi Pollution: AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’; Smog Blankets Capital, Reducing Visibility

The air quality in Delhi remains in the “very poor” category as heavy smog continues to blanket the city, reducing visibility for the eighth consecutive day since Diwali. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 383 as of 8 a.m. today.

Visuals show worsened visibility at Tilak Marg, where the AQI dropped to 349. Surrounding areas recorded similarly troubling figures, with Alipur at 397, Bawana at 440, Dwarka Sector 8 at 391, Mundka at 428, Najafgarh at 374, New Moti Bagh at 427, Rohini at 439, and Punjabi Bagh and RK Puram both at 406, according to SAFAR data. These areas report “very poor” and “severe” air quality, posing serious health risks to residents.

Meanwhile, devotees gathered at Yamuna ghat in Kalindi Kunj for the final day of Chhath Puja. Drone footage from this morning shows thick layers of toxic foam on the Yamuna River, highlighting ongoing pollution issues. Previously, on the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees offered ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun while standing in foam-laden waters at Kalindi Kunj.

In light of the river’s contamination, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed seeking permission to conduct Chhath Puja on the Yamuna banks, challenging the existing ban. However, the Delhi High Court, led by Chief Justice of Delhi, declined to issue permissions, citing the severe health risks associated with the polluted waters. The court noted that nearly 1,000 alternative locations with adequate facilities had been arranged for the puja, dismissing the petition in favor of public health.

An AQI between 200 and 300 is deemed “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” 401-450 “severe,” and above 450 is categorized as “severe plus.”

Addressing the worsening pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai chaired a meeting on Tuesday, calling for a collective approach among North Indian states to tackle the issue. Rai also accused neighboring BJP-led states of politicizing the pollution crisis.