New Delhi began Tuesday morning under a blanket of toxic air, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the ‘Hazardous’ category. As of 7:43 AM IST, the live AQI stood at 408, indicating severe health risks for residents across multiple neighbourhoods.
Several areas recorded extremely dangerous pollution levels, with pockets of East, West, and Central Delhi witnessing AQI readings well above 550. Bhagat Enclave topped the list with an AQI of 665, followed by Anand Vihar A Block at 601, Gharoli at 595, D1 Flats at 581, and Naraina Village at 579, highlighting the uneven but widespread nature of the pollution crisis.
Fine particulate matter remained alarmingly high. PM2.5 levels were recorded at 277 µg/m³, more than five times the safe limit, while PM10 reached 391 µg/m³, worsening visibility and breathing conditions during peak morning hours. Cold temperatures hovering around 10–12°C, coupled with high humidity in some areas, have trapped pollutants close to the ground, intensifying exposure risks.
Health experts advise residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions, to avoid outdoor activities and prolonged commutes. Office-goers and students are being urged to use protective masks and limit exposure as much as possible.
