Delhi's Air Quality Plunges to Severe Levels as Five Areas Record Critical Pollution

Delhi's capital region grappled with severe air pollution on November 5 morning, as the average Air Quality Index climbed to 371 at 7 a.m., indicating hazardous conditions for residents across the city.

Jahangirpuri registered the worst air quality among monitored locations, with an AQI of 444, placing it in the severe category. Four other areas joined the critical pollution zone, with Punjabi Bagh, IIT Delhi, Delhi Technological University (DTU), and Narela all recording AQI readings surpassing the 400 threshold, the upper limit of the standardized air quality scale.

Readings at or above 400 on the AQI scale are classified as severe and pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions. The deterioration in air quality follows the onset of winter in northern India, a season typically marked by elevated pollution levels due to reduced atmospheric dispersion and seasonal agricultural burning in neighboring states.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to protect their health during periods of severe air pollution.