Delhi air quality remains ‘very poor’ as AQI hits 340; equivalent to smoking 9 cigarettes a day

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Delhi residents woke up to another day of dense smog and reduced visibility on Wednesday as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 340 at 7.15 am, placing the air quality in the “very poor” category. Thick haze covered large parts of the national capital, making travel difficult.

Visuals from Anand Vihar, ITO, and other key areas showed a heavy layer of toxic smog enveloping roads, buildings, and traffic corridors.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings at Anand Vihar stood at 341, while ITO recorded 360, both in the “very poor” category. Breathing the air in these conditions is equivalent to smoking nearly nine cigarettes a day, NDTV reported.

Travel disruptions due to fog

Dense fog and haze also disrupted travel. IndiGo issued an advisory on Tuesday night, warning passengers of possible flight delays or schedule changes due to low visibility over North and East India.

“Foggy conditions may also impact road traffic, with slower movement and longer travel times expected while commuting to the airport. Customers travelling early are advised to plan with additional buffer time and check the latest flight status on our website or app before leaving home,” IndiGo wrote in a post on X.

GRAP Stage-IV measures implemented

In response to the severe pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. These emergency measures aim to limit further pollution by restricting construction and demolition work, industrial activity, and the movement of older, polluting vehicles. Residents have been urged to avoid outdoor activities and take precautions when stepping outside.

The Delhi government also announced that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to buy fuel. Only BS VI-compliant vehicles can operate within the city, while older vehicles will face restrictions. On Tuesday, the city’s AQI was recorded at 377, slightly lower than 498 the previous day, but still in the “very poor” range.