Delhi's Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor' Levels, Orange Alert Issued Amid Thick Smog

Air quality in the national capital deteriorated to 'very poor' levels on Friday. Over recent days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has fluctuated between 250 and 300, pushing several areas into the "very poor" category. In response to the worsening conditions, authorities have issued an orange warning for much of the city.

At India Gate, the AQI has dropped to 270, while Anand Vihar recorded a higher level of 339. The increasing pollution is significantly affecting public health, as thick smog blankets large parts of the city.

On Thursday, several areas in Delhi recorded alarming AQI levels, with Mundka at 386, Jahangirpuri at 360, and Patparganj at 350-each falling into the 'very poor' category. Mahesh Palawat, vice-chairman of Skymet Meteorology, explained that "wind turned calm during the night, leading to the accumulation of pollutants."

The AQI for Anand Vihar, which had registered 'severe' pollution earlier this week, was unavailable, and the Central Pollution Control Board did not respond to inquiries regarding the missing data.

According to the Decision Support System, stubble burning's contribution to PM2.5 levels in Delhi was less than 1% on Thursday. However, the city's transport sector accounted for the largest share at 12.25%, followed by emissions from nearby regions like Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicted that air quality would remain in the 'very poor' to 'poor' category for the next six days from October 20, warning that conditions could worsen due to additional emissions from crop burning.