Dikhyaa Mohanty 
As the cold swept the area, Delhi-NCR awoke to a heavy layer of haze on Wednesday, with air quality remaining in the “severe” category for the third day in a row. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that at 7:15 a.m., Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 442, with multiple locations in the nation’s capital recording values between 400 and 500. Low-visibility measures were put in place at Delhi Airport as visibility fell to 300 meters, greatly reducing visibility throughout the region.
Key areas in Delhi reported alarming AQI levels, including Anand Vihar (481), Ashok Vihar (461), Burari Crossing (483), and Nehru Nagar (480). Other prominent locations like Alipur, Jahangirpuri, and Mundka recorded AQI levels of 443, 469, and 473, respectively. Neighboring regions in NCR also faced poor air quality, with AQI levels in Haryana’s Faridabad at 263, Gurugram at 392 and Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad at 390, Greater Noida at 330, and Noida at 364.
The cold temperatures and extreme air pollution were accompanied by varying humidity levels in Delhi-NCR, which ranged from 100% to 66%. In certain places, the lowest recorded temperature was higher than 5 degrees Celsius. High humidity and calm breezes caused shallow fog in some areas of the city, which made pollution levels even worse. The hazy weather could continue in the days ahead, with the cold wave perhaps getting worse, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) cautioned. There will likely be less visibility and colder temperatures in the early morning hours.
The situation underscores the urgent need for pollution control measures as residents grapple with hazardous air quality and health risks. The CPCB classifies an AQI over 400 as “severe,” highlighting serious health risks for all residents. Authorities have urged strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures and advised residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities. With winter intensifying and pollution levels rising, Delhi-NCR’s battle with smog remains a pressing concern.
