NEW DELHI, India, December 27 (ANI): Air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Saturday evening, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the “severe” category. The overall AQI reached 390, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while several areas across Delhi-NCR recorded even higher levels, surpassing the 400 mark.
Patparganj registered an AQI of 431, Shivaji Park recorded 400, Nehru Nagar saw the highest reading at 442, followed by Shadipur at 429. Sirifort reported 402, and RK Puram recorded 412, indicating severe pollution levels across the region.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Delhi’s air quality had already slipped back into the ‘Very Poor’ category, with AQI exceeding 300 in many areas. Thick smog and fog are trapping pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life. Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities. A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants, leading to haze and smog. This cycle of poor air quality is expected to persist under current weather patterns, prompting continued monitoring and calls for stricter pollution-control measures.
‘Very Poor’ air quality requires residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks.
Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved several measures to strengthen the city’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance. An allocation of Rs. 100 crore was approved for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. Of the approximately 1,000 water bodies in the capital, 160 fall under government jurisdiction.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.”
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spanning 11.5 acres. The facility will follow the highest pollution-control standards and operate on a 100 percent circular, zero-waste model. “This will be India’s first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism,” Sirsa added.
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