Delhi Battles Toxic Smog as AQI Stays Severe and Visibility Drops

Air Pollution Spikes in Delhi-NCR due to Lower Wind Speed and Stubble Burning

Dense smog has tightened its grip over Delhi, keeping AQI severe for the third straight day and triggering health concerns and travel disruptions. The air quality was reported in the ‘severe’ category across the national capital.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 23°C, and the minimum settled at 8°C, as per the Met department.

Delhi AQI

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was detected at 457 at 6 am, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi. The visibility dropped sharply in several areas of the city.

Data showed that 38 of the 39 active monitoring stations in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ or ‘severe-plus’ categories at different points on Sunday, with at least 13 stations recording AQI levels above 490 for several hours.

Delhi Air Pollution: Areas Affected

Among 38 active air quality stations in Delhi, 24 recorded ‘severe-plus’ AQI levels, breaching the 450. The situation worsened over the weekend, with air quality deteriorating sharply on Monday. At least four areas, Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and  Wazirpur, recorded AQI of 500 around 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Anand Vihar recorded 493, while other hotspots included DTU (482), Punjabi Bagh (480), Okhla Phase-2 (480), Patparganj (476), and North Campus, DU (473).mark. 

Since the AQI scale does not go beyond 500, actual exposure levels, particularly hourly readings, were likely even higher.

Low Visibility

The dense haze was visible across Delhi, which made it difficult to see even a short distance ahead. Videos shared by news agency ANI showed a thick blanket of smog engulfing several areas, such as Barakhamba Road, Akshardham, and Bawana.

Impact on Air Traffic

Flights from the national capital were also impacted, with both the airport and airlines issuing advisories as visibility conditions worsened. In the early hours, visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport dipped to as low as 50 metres around 7 am, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

The weather office had issued a dense fog warning for the morning and forenoon hours, based on observations from the Safdarjung observatory.

Reasons behind Delhi’s Shocking Air Quality

Every winter, air pollution spikes in Delhi-NCR and many parts of the larger Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), mainly due to meteorological factors such as lower wind speed and a drop in temperature. And pollution from stubble burning during October-November and bursting of firecrackers worsens it.

Experts point to unfavourable weather conditions behind the persistent ‘severe’ air quality. A Western Disturbance has led to “very low wind speed” since Friday, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

According to Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, “the weak winds have triggered a sharp spike in pollution levels, and due to the prevailing weather system.”

Delhi’s basin-like topography is also playing a role. As winter sets in, cold air gets trapped beneath warmer air, holding pollutants closer to the ground. The absence of rain and sluggish winds further worsens the situation.

While local emissions such as vehicle exhaust and construction dust remain major contributors, experts note that stubble burning is no longer a dominant factor. “The crop burning season is now nearly over. Official data shows crop burning incidence has reduced substantially in Punjab and Haryana this year,” research by the Centre for Science and Environment noted.

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) said in a recent statement: “The above stated observations clearly indicate evident gaps and recurring negligence in the upkeep of the concerned stretches. DDA (Delhi Development Authority) needs to enhance its operational efficiency and take prompt corrective measures through consistent and timely dust mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to deliver improved compliance across all road stretches for MSW (Municipal Solid Waste)/ Biomass burning.”

Final Thoughts

The pollution board classifies air quality as ‘moderate’ between AQI 101 and 200, ‘poor’ between 201 and 300, and ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400. Any reading above 400 is considered ‘severe’. For mitigation measures, AQI levels of 450 and above are termed ‘severe plus’, with 500 already categorised as seriously dangerous.

Unless weather conditions improve or emergency measures are intensified, residents may have to brace for prolonged exposure to toxic air, continued travel disruptions, and rising health risks in the days ahead.