‘Very Poor’ AQI Continues to Choke Delhi-NCR
Delhi NCR’s very poor AQI continued to trouble residents on Monday as toxic air combined with cold wave and dense fog across the capital region. As Delhi NCR has very poor AQI levels, staying in the ‘Very Poor’ category, authorities warned that weather conditions may worsen pollution in the coming days.
Several Areas Record ‘Severe’ Pollution Levels
Out of 39 monitoring stations across the capital, eight stations recorded ‘Severe’ AQI levels. Narela emerged as the worst-affected area with an AQI of 418, followed closely by Bawana (413), Anand Vihar (407), Wazirpur (406), Jahangirpuri (405), Mundka (405), Rohini (405), and DTU CPCB (402). Other areas such as RK Puram, AIIMS, ITO, Sonia Vihar, and Alipur also remained dangerously polluted.
NCR Cities Continue to Battle Poor Air
Pollution levels remained high across the wider NCR as well. Noida recorded an AQI of 356, while Greater Noida (328), Ghaziabad (351), Gurugram (328), and Faridabad (226) continued to face poor to very poor air quality, affecting daily routines and outdoor activity.
Warning Issued as Weather Traps Pollutants
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) warned that Delhi’s air quality is likely to stay in the ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe’ category in the coming days. Low wind speeds below 10 kmph are preventing the dispersion of pollutants, worsening the smog situation across the region.
MCD Steps Up Crackdown on Pollution Sources
To curb rising pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) imposed fines totaling ₹54.98 lakh this month. Authorities issued over 7,000 challans for illegal construction waste dumping and penalised 420 violators for burning biomass and garbage. Additional sanitation staff and machinery have been deployed, with nearly 500 secondary garbage points cleared nightly.
Flight Operations Remain Smooth Despite Low Visibility
Dense fog and smog have reduced visibility across the capital, prompting advisories. However, Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed that flight operations remain smooth under low-visibility procedures. Passengers have been advised to stay in contact with airlines as conditions may change.
Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across North India
Cold conditions intensified across Delhi-NCR, with foggy mornings, chilly winds, and overcast skies. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 18.1°C, well below normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), fog and cold-day conditions may persist until December 24, with icy winds expected to arrive following fresh snowfall in the hills.
Dense Fog Disrupts Life Beyond Delhi
Across north India, dense fog has disrupted daily life in parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Moradabad, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. Similar weather conditions were also reported from Jaipur in Rajasthan and Karnal in Haryana, severely affecting road visibility and travel. Follow for more updates, FM News.
