Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 21: Air pollution in Delhi worsened sharply on Sunday, with the city edging dangerously close to the “severe” category as thick smog, fog, and plunging temperatures affected large parts of northern India.

Data from the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 410 by 11 pm Saturday, surpassing the severe threshold, and remaining high at 396 by early Sunday morning.

Several areas recorded extreme pollution levels, including Chandni Chowk (455), Wazirpur (449), Rohini (444), Jahangirpuri (444), Anand Vihar (438), and Mundka (436). Residents, especially children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues, were advised to exercise caution.

The worsening air quality coincided with challenging weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange alerts for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh due to dense to very dense fog, which also disrupted visibility and posed risks to road, rail, and air travel. Temperatures remained cold, with a maximum of 17°C and a minimum of 8°C, adding to public discomfort.

Experts attributed the pollution spike to low wind speeds and temperature inversion, which trap pollutants near the ground. As winter continues, Delhi faces recurring episodes of hazardous air quality, highlighting the urgent need for long-term pollution control measures.