Pollution spikes to hazardous levels in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida as over 20 monitoring stations record AQI above 400; experts warn smog may intensify with low wind conditions over the next 48 hours.
Delhi-NCR continues to choke under hazardous air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the severe category across several parts of the region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings recorded at 7 a.m. showed most areas of Delhi falling under the “very poor” to “severe” category, with at least 20 monitoring stations reporting AQI levels above 400.
Wazirpur Emerges as Most Polluted Locality
Wazirpur reported the highest pollution levels in the city with an alarming AQI of 477, placing it firmly in the severe bracket. Several other neighbourhoods also recorded critical levels:
- Jahangirpuri: 451
- Rohini: 449
- Mundka: 446
- Ashok Vihar: 444
- Punjabi Bagh: 439
- Vivek Vihar: 436
- Nehru Nagar (Lajpat Nagar): 431
- RK Puram: 423
- Anand Vihar: 420
- Chandni Chowk: 418
- North Campus: 416
- Siri Fort: 412
- Dwarka: 411
- Sonia Vihar: 410
- ITO: 400
- India Gate: 400
In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad and Noida also reported severe air quality. Ghaziabad registered an AQI of 430, while Noida recorded 408 on Thursday morning.
Residents Complain of Breathlessness
Morning walkers near India Gate expressed concern over the worsening air quality. One resident said, “The pollution is so high that it’s becoming difficult to breathe. We have no option but to wear masks. The AQI is extremely high… we’ve reduced going outdoors.”
Another Delhi resident voiced frustration, saying, “This pollution problem has been going on for 10–15 years. There is still no permanent solution. Unless the government becomes serious, nothing will change. Delhi should aim to plant at least 20 million trees every year. Stubble burning has existed for centuries—yet Delhi suffers all year. We created this pollution; we are responsible. Avoiding responsibility won’t solve anything. Act seriously and save the environment.”
Pollution May Worsen in Coming Days
The weather department has warned that the situation may deteriorate further. With wind speeds expected to remain very low over the next 48 hours, smog is likely to thicken across the region. While measures under GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) remain in force, authorities have not announced any new restrictions or relaxations so far.
This sustained period of hazardous air quality raises urgent questions about long-term solutions for one of the world’s most polluted metropolitan regions.