Delhi chokes under ‘severe plus’ air quality amid dense fog-OxBig News Network

The air quality in Delhi plunged to ‘hazardous’ levels on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 481 at 7 am, classified as ‘severe-plus’.

It has alarming health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the majority of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 450. Neighbouring regions reported varying levels of air pollution. Noida’s air was in the ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 384, Faridabad registered ‘poor’ at 320, while Ghaziabad and Gurugram faced ‘severe’ conditions with AQIs of 400 and 446, respectively.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for dense fog. The fog has further exacerbated the situation by significantly reducing visibility. The combination of fog and toxic air has disrupted flight operations, causing widespread delays.

Despite stringent measures to curb pollution, Delhi remains engulfed in smog, with locals describing the city as a “gas chamber”. The situation has worsened leaving citizens struggling to breathe in the toxic air. The cold wave has also arrived, compounding the health crisis.

In West Delhi, morning walkers shared their concerns, stating, “This is not fog, it is pollution. Breathing has become difficult, especially for those above 50.”