Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’ as AQI Touches 498

New Delhi: Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category. Of the 40 air quality monitoring stations across the capital, 38 reported ‘severe’ pollution levels, while two stations recorded ‘very poor’ air. Jahangirpuri emerged as the worst-affected area, registering an AQI of 498.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that an AQI of 401 to 500 falls under the ‘severe’ category, while readings between 301 and 400 are classified as ‘very poor’. Values below 200 are considered moderate or better.

Delhi’s air quality had already worsened on Sunday, when the AQI touched 461, making it the most polluted day of the current winter season and the second-worst December air quality recorded so far. Weather conditions, including weak winds and low temperatures, have contributed to the problem by allowing pollutants to remain trapped close to the ground.

The air quality monitoring station at Wazirpur recorded the maximum possible Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 500 during the day, beyond which the Central Pollution Control Board does not register data.

According to projections by the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), pollution levels are expected to remain in the ‘severe’ range in the near term, with forecasts suggesting ‘very poor’ air quality over the next six days as well.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said average wind speeds remain below 10 kmph, a condition that is not conducive to the dispersal of pollutants. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 25 degrees Celsius.

The deteriorating air quality, combined with dense fog, also affected flight operations at Delhi’s airport. At least 60 flights were cancelled and five others diverted due to poor visibility, leaving many passengers stranded or facing delays.

Several airlines, including IndiGo—which had recently resumed some services after earlier disruptions—were impacted. Airport authorities have advised passengers to check flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport to avoid inconvenience.