Delhi chokes under severe smog as AQI soars past 367

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Tuesday, with the city-wide Air Quality Index climbing to 367, pushing several neighborhoods into the severe pollution category. The hazardous conditions have blanketed the capital under a thick layer of smog, affecting millions of residents across the metropolis.

Jahangirpuri recorded the worst air quality in the city with an AQI of 459, followed closely by IIT Delhi at 447 and Punjabi Bagh at 446. Other severely affected areas included Alipur with a reading of 437 and Vivek Vihar at 434. Multiple other localities across Delhi also slipped into the severe zone, indicating widespread pollution concerns.

Air quality in the severe range poses significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. At these pollution levels, authorities typically recommend that vulnerable groups remain indoors and the general public limit outdoor activities.

The spike in pollution levels underscores the persistent challenge facing Delhi during winter months, when meteorological conditions trap pollutants closer to the ground. Residents have been advised to monitor AQI updates and take necessary precautions to protect their health amid the deteriorating air quality.