Delhi Air Pollution Hits Dangerous Levels: AQI Soars to 390, Classified as ‘Very Poor’

Delhi’s air pollution reaches alarming levels with AQI hitting 390, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category and posing serious health risks

Delhi, India’s bustling capital, is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 390, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category. This alarming spike has raised serious health concerns for residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Authorities have issued health advisories, urging citizens to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure.

Air pollution in Delhi is a recurrent challenge, but levels crossing 300-400 signify extreme deterioration, capable of triggering adverse health effects even in healthy individuals. With AQI at 390, the city faces one of the worst air quality episodes of the year, affecting daily life, public health, and productivity.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized measure to evaluate air pollution, considering pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO). AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality:

0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe

With AQI at 390, Delhi falls into the ‘very poor’ category, signaling a dangerous environment where outdoor activity can significantly impact health. Residents are warned that prolonged exposure may cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue, and aggravate chronic conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Delhi’s air pollution is influenced by multiple factors, often converging during winter months to create critical situations. The key contributors to the current AQI spike include:

Vehicular Emissions: Delhi’s dense traffic, with millions of vehicles on the road daily, emits high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, worsening air quality.
Construction Dust: Rapid urbanization and ongoing construction projects generate significant dust particles, which remain suspended in the air and contribute to PM10 levels.
Industrial Pollution: Factories on Delhi’s outskirts release smoke and chemical pollutants, which mix with the city’s air, aggravating respiratory risks.
Crop Burning: Seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana contributes heavily to PM2.5 levels, especially during late October to December, creating dense smog over Delhi.
Weather Conditions: Winter brings calm winds and low temperatures, reducing air circulation. The lack of wind and thermal inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying the smog.
Firecrackers and Festivals: While this year’s spike is mostly due to seasonal factors, past pollution surges have also been linked to Diwali-related firecracker emissions.

Experts note that PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns, are particularly hazardous as they penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and can cause long-term health complications.

When the AQI crosses 300, even healthy individuals can experience adverse effects. At AQI 390, the implications include:

Respiratory distress: Coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing.
Eye irritation: Redness, watering, and itching due to particulate matter.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases: Individuals with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions may face severe complications.
Reduced immunity: Prolonged exposure weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections.

Authorities advise limiting outdoor activities, using N95 or N99 masks, staying hydrated, and using air purifiers indoors to mitigate risks. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and should avoid outdoor exposure whenever possible.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has issued several advisories to combat the worsening air quality:

Restriction on construction activity: Temporary halts or limited operations at construction sites to reduce dust emissions.
Vehicle regulations: Encouraging carpooling, public transport usage, and temporary bans on heavy diesel vehicles in some areas.
Smog alerts: Regular public updates through apps, social media, and local news channels.
Health advisories: Urging residents to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups.
Promotion of indoor air quality: Encouraging the use of air purifiers and keeping windows closed during high pollution hours.

Despite these measures, experts warn that immediate results are limited, as air quality depends on multiple factors, including transboundary pollution from neighboring states.

The rising AQI has sparked concern among Delhi residents. Schools have been advised to monitor outdoor activities for children, and many parents are restricting outdoor play. Fitness enthusiasts and daily joggers are adjusting routines to avoid peak pollution hours.

Social media has seen a surge in discussions around pollution levels, with hashtags like #DelhiPollution, #AQI390, and #AirQualityAlert trending across platforms. Residents are also sharing tips on using masks, air purifiers, and natural remedies to reduce exposure.

Environmental activists continue to call for stricter regulations, better monitoring of emissions, and long-term sustainable measures to combat Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis.

While emergency advisories help mitigate immediate health risks, experts emphasise long-term solutions to address Delhi’s chronic air pollution:

Promoting public transport and electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions.
Strict enforcement of industrial emission norms and relocation of polluting industries.
Greening initiatives: Planting trees and developing green belts to absorb pollutants.
Sustainable waste management: Preventing open burning of waste materials in urban areas.
Interstate coordination to manage crop stubble burning in neighboring states.
Improved urban planning to reduce dust and manage traffic congestion.

The government and civic bodies must collaborate with citizens, industries, and environmental NGOs to implement holistic strategies that ensure Delhi’s air becomes safer in the long run.

Delhi Air Pollution Hits Dangerous Levels: AQI Soars to 390, Classified as ‘Very Poor’