Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' amid escalating pollution
What's the story
Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the "very poor" category for the third consecutive day on Sunday. Several monitoring stations have even crossed into the "severe" zone. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 386, indicating a rise in pollution levels across the city after a brief improvement mid-week.
Severe zones
Areas with severe AQI levels in Delhi
According to real-time CPCB readings, Bawana recorded an AQI of 436, Wazirpur 435, Ashok Vihar, and Rohini 422. Chandni Chowk and Narela both recorded an AQI of 420, while Vivek Vihar was at 423. Anand Vihar and Sonia Vihar logged an AQI of 412 each. Mundka and Burari both stood at 405.
Pollution factors
Delhi's air quality index and pollution sources
The spike in pollution comes after Delhi's overall AQI had slightly improved, dropping out of the "severe" zone on Friday with a 24-hour average of 387. Saturday's citywide AQI was recorded at 386, keeping it in the "very poor" category for another day. However, 16 stations still reported "severe" levels on Saturday. The CPCB data shows PM10 and PM2.5 are the major pollutants affecting the city.
Pollution sources
Stubble burning and vehicular emissions contribute to pollution
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's Decision Support System estimated that stubble burning contributed 16.3% to Delhi's pollution on Saturday, while vehicular emissions formed the largest share at 18.3%. The forecast suggests stubble burning will account for around 14.5% of the city's pollution load on Sunday, even as satellite imagery detected farm fires in Punjab (104), Haryana (24), and Uttar Pradesh (129) on Thursday.
Weather impact
Delhi's weather conditions and health advisory
Delhi also witnessed its coldest morning of the season on Saturday, with a minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature settled at 26.6 degrees Celsius, both below normal levels for this time of year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts shallow fog with daytime temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Health warning
Authorities issue health advisory amid hazardous air quality
The combination of falling temperatures, calm winds, and rising emissions is likely to keep pollution levels high. Authorities have advised residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor exposure due to the hazardous air quality. The Supreme Court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to report on measures taken to curb stubble burning, contributing to Delhi's pollution crisis.