Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are facing extremely poor air quality, with pollution levels getting worse on Sunday, December 14. Several areas of the Capital recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels well above 400, placing them in the ‘severe’ category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall AQI is at 461 at 7 am, close to the maximum level of 500, which is considered highly dangerous.
The situation deteriorated sharply over the past day. On Friday afternoon, the 24-hour average AQI was 349, classified as ‘very poor’, By Saturday afternoon, it had jumped to 431 and continued to worsen through the evening, reaching ‘severe-plus’ levels in some areas. Saturday became the fourth ‘severe’ air quality day of the year for Delhi.
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Experts say the main reason for the sudden rise in pollution is unfavourable weather conditions. As per HT report, a Western Disturbance has led to very low wind speeds since Friday, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet said the calm winds have caused pollution to build up and warned that AQI levels are likely to remain severe through Sunday, the report added.
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Weather conditions have added to the problem. Calm winds and fog reduced visibility across the city on Sunday morning. The IMD reported dense fog in several areas, with visibility dropping to 200 metres at Safdarjung and 350 metres at Palam airport.
Under CPCB standards, AQI levels between 301 and 400 are classified as ‘very poor’, while anything above 400 is termed ‘severe’. For emergency planning, AQI levels of 450 and above are considered ‘severe plus’. CPCB readings do not go beyond 500, which is already regarded as extremely hazardous.
GRAP-4 Activated in Delhi
Due to the rapid decline in air quality, authorities moved quickly to impose restrictions. As AQI levels crossed 400 on Saturday morning, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). By evening, after AQI touched 431, stricter Stage 4 measures were enforced across Delhi-NCR for the first time this season.
With GRAP Stage 4 in effect, several emergency steps have been taken. The Delhi government has directed that 50% of staff in public and private offices work from home. Schools have been told to shift classes 9 to 11 to a hybrid mode, combining online and in-person learning. Restrictions have also been placed on the movement of diesel vehicles that are BS-IV or older.
When will conditions improve?
Air quality forecasts suggest that conditions will remain ‘severe’ on Sunday. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS), a slight improvement may begin from Monday as wind speeds increase. However, air quality is still expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ category through Monday and Tuesday, offering only limited relief.
Temperatures in the Capital are likely to remain cool, with minimum temperatures between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius and maximums ranging from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Fog and partly cloudy skies are expected to continue, which may further affect visibility and pollution levels in the coming days.