Delhi’s air pollution soared to hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 500 and reaching 507 as of early Sunday morning, marking pollution levels 65 times higher than the WHO’s acceptable limit. A thick smog layer blanketed the capital, posing severe health risks to residents in Delhi and surrounding areas.
The AQI jumped significantly overnight, rising from 327 on Saturday evening to 507 by Sunday morning. Many parts of Delhi, including areas like Alipur, Anand Vihar, and IGI Airport, recorded “very poor” air quality, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app.
Following Diwali celebrations, pollution levels worsened, with most locations registering an AQI over 350, exacerbating health concerns. A LocalCircles survey showed that 69% of Delhi-NCR residents reported at least one family member experiencing respiratory symptoms like sore throats and cough, while 62% reported eye irritation due to the toxic air.
