Delhi's air quality still 'very poor' despite slight improvement
Delhi's air got a tiny bit better on Friday, with the AQI dropping to 370 from yesterday's 391, but it's still stuck in the "very poor" zone.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences's Air Quality Early Warning System says this rough patch is likely to last at least another six days because of slow winds and winter weather trapping pollution.
Where it's worst—and why
Some neighborhoods like Rohini (AQI 424), Anand Vihar (418), RK Puram (401), and Ashok Vihar (411) are facing even harsher air.
Iconic spots like India Gate and Akshardham were shrouded in smog this morning.
Experts point to vehicle emissions and stubble burning as the main reasons for the mess.
How it's hitting people
The pollution spike is making people sick—hospitals have seen a 10-15% jump in respiratory cases, and almost 80% of NCR households say someone at home has been unwell with coughs or breathing trouble lately.
What's being done?
With things getting worse, the Supreme Court wants outdoor school activities paused and stricter anti-pollution steps enforced.
The government is considering tougher GRAP IV rules, but experts warn that real change needs year-round action—not just masks or purifiers.