Delhi residents woke up to a hazy sky and poor visibility on Thursday as a thick blanket of smog engulfed the city. The air quality index (AQI) stood at a staggering 548, according to private tracker AQI.in, while the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded a significantly lower AQI of 349.
There are six categories of AQI, namely ‘Good’ (0-50), ‘Satisfactory’ (50-100), ‘Moderately polluted’ (100-200), ‘Poor’ (200-300), ‘Very Poor’ (300-400), and ‘Severe’ (400-500). AQI above 500 is generally referred to as in the ‘hazardous’ category.
GRAP III revoked
In view of the improving air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Sub-Committee revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR with immediate effect.
In its order issued Wednesday, the Sub-Committee said the AQI has been “improving since last three days” and is forecast by IMD and IITM to remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category in the coming days. Considering the “disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III” and the downward trend in pollution levels, the panel decided to withdraw the curbs.
However, GRAP I and GRAP II measures will remain in force as per the modified GRAP schedule issued on November 21, adding that agencies must “intensify measures” to ensure pollution levels do not slip back into the ‘Severe’ range.
As harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day
According to AQI.in, breathing air in this location is as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. This estimate is based on the average PM2.5 concentration over the past 24 hours, assuming continuous exposure during that time.
The PM2.5 concentration on Monday was measured at 345 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 15 µg/m³. The current PM2.5 level in New Delhi is 23.03 times above the recommended guideline. According to the WHO, “exposure to PM2.5 can cause diseases affecting both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”
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A new satellite-based study has reveals that Delhi tops the list of most polluted states and union territories in the country with an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of 101 µg/m³, over 2.5 times the national limit.
Among the most polluted areas were Ashok Vihar (669), Chanakya Place 1 (770), Darya Ganj (682) Defence Colony (499) Vasundhara Enclave (732), and Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering (655) — all recording hazardous levels of pollution.
Pollution levels were nearly as bad in neighbouring cities, with Ghaziabad (630), Noida (743), Greater Noida (650), and Gurugram (529) also experiencing unhealthy air quality.
Health advisory
Residents of Delhi should minimise outdoor exposure as much as possible. If you must go outside, be sure to wear an N-95 mask. Avoid all outdoor workouts, including jogging, running, and yoga. Schools in the city have already suspended outdoor activities.
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Use air purifiers at home or in your car whenever available. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any breathing difficulties.
