Delhi’s AQI hits 426 after coldest night of season

Delhi woke up to yet another day of toxic air and dense fog on Wednesday, following the season's coldest night with the minimum temperature dropping to 11.1 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city experienced visibility as low as 500 meters due to dense fog, with similar conditions expected throughout the day.

The capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 426 at 9 a.m., placing it in the "severe" category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI of 400 or above is considered hazardous, posing significant health risks to even healthy individuals, let alone those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Out of the 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, all but one reported AQI readings in the red zone. Lodhi Road was the sole exception, with air quality falling under the "very poor" category instead of "severe." Meanwhile, humidity levels peaked at 84%, and the maximum daytime temperature is expected to reach 25 degrees Celsius.

The deteriorating air quality has prompted strict measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforced on Monday after the city’s air quality entered the "severe plus" category over the weekend. These include a complete ban on construction activities, the suspension of physical classes in schools, and restrictions on vehicle operations.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has barred the entry of diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi, allowing only CNG and electric vehicles or those transporting essential goods. Four-wheeler diesel light motor vehicles, except for BS-VI compliant and essential service vehicles, have also been prohibited in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts.

First implemented in 2017, GRAP divides air quality into four stages: "poor" (AQI 201-300), "very poor" (AQI 301-400), "severe" (AQI 401-450), and "severe plus" (AQI above 450). While these measures aim to curb pollution, the thick layer of smog blanketing iconic areas like Kartavya Path is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crisis.