The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) worsened significantly on Saturday, 20 December, pushing the metropolis into a hazardous blanket of toxic smog. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently above the 400-mark, categorising the situation as 'severe'. This dense layer of pollution drastically cut down visibility, disrupted flight schedules, and severely impacted daily life for millions of residents.
Delhi's Air Quality Hits Severe Category
According to the latest data from the CPCB, Delhi's overall AQI was recorded at 410 at around 9 pm, firmly placing it in the 'severe' zone. The CPCB classifies an AQI between 401 and 500 as 'severe', which poses a health risk even to healthy individuals. Across the capital, the pollution levels were alarmingly high. Out of 40 monitoring stations, 11 reported 'severe' air quality, while the remaining 29 stations indicated 'very poor' conditions.
Specific areas recorded critically high pollution levels. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 430, while ITO was at 421 and Akshardham at 423. Other notable readings included AIIMS at 397 and the area near India Gate at approximately 377. Earlier in the day, the situation was even grimmer, with 14 stations in the 'severe' category. Vivek Vihar had experienced the worst air with an AQI of 434. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 374, in the 'very poor' category, slightly higher than the previous day's 373.
Weather Conditions and Flight Disruptions
The weather played a significant role in trapping the pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 22.2 degrees Celsius, which is normal for the season, and a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius. The IMD had forecast dense to very dense fog during the morning and forenoon hours, which materialised and compounded the visibility issues caused by the smog.
This combination of severe pollution and dense fog led to significant operational challenges at the Delhi airport. Multiple airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, issued passenger advisories warning of delays and cancellations due to the low visibility. Reports indicated that over 120 flights were affected, causing widespread inconvenience to travellers.
What is Causing Delhi's Toxic Air?
An analysis of the pollution sources, citing data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management, pinpoints the major contributors. Transport remains the largest single source, responsible for 15.9% of Delhi's pollution. Other significant sources within the city include residential activities (7.9%), construction (3.8%), waste burning (2.1%), and road dust (1.1%).
The problem is not confined to Delhi's boundaries. Pollutants from neighbouring districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) also add to the capital's burden. Among NCR districts, Jhajjar contributed the most at 16.6%, followed by Rohtak (5.5%), Bhiwani (3.6%), Sonipat (2%), and Gurugram (1.8%). This regional mix of local emissions and transported pollutants creates a complex challenge for air quality management.
Outlook Remains Grim
The forecast offers little respite. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has predicted that the air quality is likely to remain in the 'severe' category on Sunday and Monday. This prolonged exposure to hazardous air underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to protect public health and address the multifaceted sources of pollution engulfing the national capital region.
