Hazardous air quality in Delhi, PM2.5 levels 59 times higher than WHO limit

The data from the AQICN website revealed that Delhi's air quality hit a new low, with numerous localities, including Anand Vihar, recording an AQI of 600 and above, the worst so far this season.

As of 8 am on Nov 4, the national capital's overall air quality was 317. The pollution level, as indicated by the PM2.5 concentration, is currently 59 times greater than the WHO-recommended danger limit, according to the IQAir website.

Chronic exposure to high pollution levels can cause serious health issues, such as harming the brain and lungs.

Depending on the severity of the problem, air quality is categorized into four stages: "poor" (AQI 201-300) in Stage I; "very poor" (AQI 301-400) in Stage II; "severe" (AQI 401-450) in Stage III; and "severe plus" (AQI > 450) in Stage IV.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in various areas of Delhi indicated hazardous conditions. Anand Vihar reported an alarming AQI of 627, followed closely by Alipur at 388, Punjabi Bagh at 319, and Narela at 372, all classified as hazardous.

Additionally, Bawana recorded an AQI of 368, and ITI Shahdra showed a level of 408, both also in the hazardous category. In contrast, RK Puram had an AQI of 268, categorized as very poor.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that approximately 200 mobile anti-smog guns will be deployed throughout the national capital to tackle dust pollution.

Rai said that the Delhi government is actively working on the ground to address growing pollution levels.

"The Delhi government will place 200 mobile anti-smog guns across the city. These guns will spray water in each assembly constituency in three eight-hour shifts to help regulate dust levels," said Rai.

"Whether it is dust pollution, vehicle pollution, or biomass burning, our teams are continuously working on targeting these three issues on the ground," he added.

Surprisingly, even though the amount of pollution from stubble burning has drastically decreased, Delhi's air quality has remained somewhat better than in previous years following Diwali.

On Nov 2, stubble burning was responsible for barely 15% of Delhi's pollution, a significant decrease from above 35% on Nov 1. This decrease suggests that Delhi's air quality is being greatly impacted by other factors.

As thousands violated the ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations, Delhi's air quality deteriorated on the morning of Nov 1.

Residents disregarded the rules until late at night, as the ceaseless explosions produced excessive pollution and covered the nation's capital in thick smoke.

On Nov 1, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) jumped to 359, falling into the "very poor" category, according to real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). On the morning of Oct 31, the AQI was at 328.