New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Delhi greeted the weekend under a thick layer of haze, with pollution levels once again breaching the “very poor” threshold. The city’s Air Quality Index stood at 332 on Saturday morning, indicating continued deterioration in overall air quality.
The latest figures from the Central Pollution Control Board showed a slight improvement compared to Friday, when the AQI was measured at 369. While the drop is noticeable, it offers little comfort, as the air remains unsafe for prolonged outdoor exposure, especially for those with breathing ailments.
India’s air-quality scale categorizes readings up to 50 as “good” and anything between 51 and 100 as “satisfactory.” Levels from 101 to 200 qualify as “moderate,” while 201 to 300 fall under “poor.” Once the index enters the 301–400 band, the pollution load is considered “very poor,” with the potential to aggravate respiratory and cardiac issues.
The winter chill added to the murky morning atmosphere. According to the India Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature recorded in the capital was 10.4°C. The day is expected to warm up to around 25°C, though dense humidity—pegged at 90 percent at 8:30 a.m.—contributed to the persistent smog.
With pollution showing no signs of lifting soon, experts advise limiting outdoor activity during early morning hours and using protective masks when necessary. The city remains on alert as authorities monitor conditions heading into the week.
