Dense Smog Engulfs Delhi as Air Quality Stays 'Very Poor' for 10th Consecutive Day After Diwali

Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution for the 10th consecutive day after Diwali, with a thick layer of smog enveloping parts of the capital on Sunday morning.

As of 8 am, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 335, categorised as 'very poor.' According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India), several areas in Delhi also reported hazardous levels of air pollution.

Locations like Anand Vihar (AQI 351), Bawana (AQI 383), CRRI Mathura Road (AQI 323), Dwarka Sector 8 (AQI 341), IGI Airport (AQI 326), ITO (AQI 328), and many others recorded AQI values in the 'very poor' range, with areas such as New Moti Bagh (AQI 394) and Dhaula Kuan (AQI 394) topping the list.

Visuals from Kartavya Path, near India Gate, showed the iconic area blanketed by thick smog, with an AQI of 357. Similarly, the Kalindi Kunj region and its surroundings also reported very poor air quality, with AQI levels of 323.

Doctors are sounding the alarm as pollution levels continue to climb, noting that even people without a history of respiratory issues are experiencing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and difficulty breathing. Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant for Respiratory Critical Care at Apollo Hospitals, warned that children are especially vulnerable and recommended that the government consider school closures, as has been done in past years when pollution levels have reached dangerous thresholds. With children's lungs still developing and their inability to take protective measures effectively, they are at heightened risk from prolonged exposure to harmful air quality.

As Delhi’s AQI continues to hover in the 'very poor' range, authorities are under pressure to take stronger action to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.