Delhi chokes as AQI hits 459, air quality plunges into ‘severe’ category

NEW DELHI: Delhi battled toxic air on Sunday as pollution levels worsened sharply, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 459, indicating hazardous conditions for residents.

A thick blanket of smog covered the national capital overnight, causing breathing difficulties and reduced visibility across several areas. As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks.

Weather conditions further aggravated the situation. The minimum temperature settled at 8.2 degrees Celsius, about 0.4 degrees below the seasonal average, while the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 24 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported relative humidity at 100 per cent at 8.30 am.

In view of the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi Directorate of Education on Saturday directed all schools to conduct classes in a hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality across Delhi-NCR.(Agencies)