Delhi AQI Hits 400, Enters ‘Severe’ Category As Toxic Haze Chokes National Capital

Delhi's air quality worsened sharply on Thursday, slipping into the 'severe' category with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick layer of haze continued to hang over the city as low wind speeds and falling temperatures trapped pollutants near the surface.

The surge comes a day after Wednesday's already alarming AQI of 392, which had pushed Delhi close to the severe threshold for the sixth consecutive day.

Pollution Hotspots Record Alarming Readings

Several monitoring stations across Delhi reported AQI levels well above 400 on Thursday. The CPCB's Sameer app showed Wazirpur as the worst-hit location with an AQI of 477.

Other severely affected areas included:

• Anand Vihar (427)
• RK Puram (424)
• Punjabi Bagh (441)
• Mundka (441)
• Jahangirpuri (453)
• Burari Crossing (410)
• Bawana (443)

At the lower end, Lodhi Road recorded the least polluted reading among 39 stations, at 269, which still falls under the 'poor' category.

As per CPCB standards:

• 301-400 = Very Poor
• 401-500 = Severe

Forecast Warns of Continued Poor Air Quality

The Air Quality Early Warning System of the Ministry of Earth Sciences predicted on Wednesday that Delhi's air quality would remain in the 'very poor' to 'severe' range for at least the next six days.

The Decision Support System (DSS) of IITM Pune estimated that on Wednesday, vehicular emissions accounted for 18% of Delhi's pollution, while stubble burning contributed 3.8%. For Thursday, these contributions were projected at 16.1% and 2%, respectively.

Satellite data showed 15 farm fires in Punjab, six in Haryana, and 377 in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

Weather Conditions Add to the Crisis

The India Meteorological Department reported a minimum temperature of 10.2°C and a maximum of 28.3°C on Wednesday. Moderate fog is expected, with Thursday's temperatures likely to settle around 27°C (maximum) and 11°C (minimum).