Delhi continued to struggle with deteriorating air quality on Wednesday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at most stations remained in the very poor category. Reportedly, data has shown that air quality is at its highest level in industrial and busy road areas, while residential and main areas are also severely affected.
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Worst-affected: Industrial and traffic zones
Out of all the stations, the maximum AQI was recorded in Bawana, having an AQI of 378, and was the most polluted site for the day. This was closely followed by Mundka, Pusa, and Rohini, having an AQI of 370, 365, and 364, respectively. Other stations, including ITO, Wazirpur, and Nehru Nagar recorded AQI values between 360 and 361, while Jahangirpuri and NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 361. These values are alarmingly close to the severe category, wherein even a healthy person can experience respiratory distress due to prolonged exposure.
Housing and commercial areas were not left behind either:
Levels of pollution were remarkably acute at some residential and commercial centres. Ashok Nagar (350), DTU (357), Sirifort (356), Vivek Vihar (354), and Shadipur (343) were all retained under the very poor category. RK Puram (342), Dwarka Sector 8 (342), and Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (342) were the other areas impacted by the situation.
Central and old city areas under pressure
Regions of the city and the old city of Delhi were also not getting any relief. Chandni Chowk (328), Punjabi Bagh (339), Patparganj (331), and North Campus, Delhi University (319) were still reporting very poor levels of air quality, indicating that the city is not left untouched by the rise in air pollution.
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Comparatively lower AQI, still unhealthy
Even the areas perceived as greener or less crowded were not spared. Lodhi Road (289) and CRRI Mathura Road (297) were almost hovering on the poor/very poor mark, while Aya Nagar (272) and IGI Airport T3 (263) were registering relatively lower, although unhealthy, concentrations. The poorest AQI values were recorded at IHBAS, Dilshad Garden (247), and Mandir Marg (257), all of which were categorised as having "poor" air quality. As reported by AQI.in, “inhalation of Delhi’s air is as deadly as smoking 8.5 cigarettes a day.” The website recommended using air purifiers, car filters, N95 masks, and staying indoors as much as possible.
