Smog once again enveloped Delhi on Thursday morning as the city’s air quality index slipped into the ‘very poor’ category, snapping two days of improvement. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the 24-hour average AQI was 311 at 4:00 PM, a dangerous return to toxic air conditions.
Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply
Delhi’s morning AQI was 278 — which is still in the ‘poor’ category — but by evening, pollution levels had breached the 300-mark threshold, plunging the city back into the ‘very poor’ zone.
According to CPCB’s Sameer app, out of 38 monitoring stations across the national capital, 32 recorded AQI levels above 300.
Thick smog blanketed major areas including ITO, Dhaula Kuan, and Kartavya Path throughout the day, reducing visibility and choking daily activity.On the other hand, the satellite cities of the NCR — Noida (257), Ghaziabad (266), Faridabad (218) and Manesar (269) also reported poor air quality levels indicating the larger NCR pollution crisis.
Stubble Burning and Calm Winds to Blame
As per the DSS for air quality forecasting, the contribution of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana to Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration is 21.5% on Thursday and is likely to rise further to nearly 37% by Friday. Transport emission is the second largest contributor at 16.2% on the same day.
Meteorological forecasts offer little hope of any immediate respite. The India Meteorological Department said winds would pick up briefly to 15 kmph in the afternoon before slowing down to below 10 kmph by night — a pattern that traps pollutants close to the surface.
According to the Centre’s Air Quality Forecasting System, Delhi’s air will remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next six days, as there is little chance of significant weather changes in the region to help disperse the smog.
‘Air as Bad as Smoking 9 Cigarettes a Day’
According to AQI.in, a platform that tracks real-time health impacts of pollution exposure, health experts have equated Delhi’s current air to smoking nearly nine cigarettes a day. In Gurugram, the exposure – measured as equivalent to smoking 9.8 cigarettes daily.
Doctors in Delhi’s major hospitals have started reporting a sharp rise in respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly. Cases of asthma, COPD, irritation in the throat, rhinitis, and congestion in the chest have increased significantly since Diwali, when pollution levels first spiked.
“Patients are reporting shortness of breath, wheezing, and irritation in the eyes even on brief exposure to the outdoors,” said a senior pulmonologist at Safdarjung Hospital. “Long exposure to this air can worsen chronic lung diseases and heart conditions.”
‘Very Poor’ Means Real Health Risk
AQI levels between 301 and 400 are defined as ‘very poor’ by the CPCB, a category that causes respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. AQI between 201-300 is ‘poor’, while anything above 400 is classified as ‘severe’.
Experts warn that even short-term exposure at current pollution levels can cause inflammation, impaired lung function, and cardiovascular stress. Children, elderly people, and those suffering from asthma and heart diseases are particularly vulnerable.
No Relief in Sight
While some wind activity may slightly help in the improvement of dispersion, the overall pollution scenario remains grim. The Centre’s latest forecast indicates no major improvement in Delhi’s air quality at least until mid-next week.
The environmental scientists have asked for the proper enforcement of bans related to construction, vehicular restrictions, and management of crop stubbles. Till then, restricting outdoor activity, wearing N95 masks, and installing air purifiers indoors have been advised for citizens.
Key Takeaways
Delhi’s AQI reached 311, slipping back into the ‘very poor’ category.
Stubble burning contributed more than 20% of PM2.5, while transport contributed 16%.
Toxic air is expected to prevail for at least six more days.
Health impact: breathing Delhi’s air is equal to smoking 9 cigarettes daily.
Hospitals report surge in respiratory and cardiac complaints.
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