Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 482 at 8.01 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Seven monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400, indicating severe pollution.
Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 446, followed by Narela at 434, Rohini at 431, RK Puram at 416, Bawana at 412, North Campus at Delhi University at 408 and Patparganj at 405.
Several other areas reported very poor air quality. Okhla Phase-2 and India Gate recorded an AQI of 399, followed by ITO at 397, Dwarka Sector 8 at 396, Chandni Chowk at 356 and Vasundhara Enclave at 330. Anand Vihar recorded 293, while the IMD Lodhi Road station reported 268, both in the poor category.
Centre says conditions are being monitored
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was continuously monitoring meteorological conditions, including wind direction, wind speed and air movement, and taking necessary action based on its assessments.
The worsening pollution comes despite a reported decline in stubble-burning incidents compared with previous years. Yadav said around 40% of paddy stubble had been utilised through ex-situ management in neighbouring states.
Doctors report worsening respiratory symptoms
Dr Saurabh Mittal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions were experiencing increased symptoms and exacerbations, with some requiring higher inhaler doses or additional medication.
He also reported patients who had previously been asymptomatic but were now experiencing cough, throat and nasal irritation, and shortness of breath. Mittal said calls for medical assistance had increased and could rise further over the next few weeks.
Source: The Times of India
