New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 261, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the highest AQI recorded in the national capital in more than 85 days.
Officials attributed the sudden spike in pollution to dust-laden winds originating from regions including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, which carried large amounts of particulate matter into northwest India. Despite the deterioration, authorities said pollution levels are expected to improve if weather conditions become favourable.
Along with poor air quality, Delhi also witnessed uncomfortable weather conditions. The maximum temperature settled at 36.8°C, while the feels-like temperature touched 45.7°C due to high humidity, making outdoor conditions particularly difficult for residents.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said that while the AQI has entered the ‘Poor’ category, restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have not been imposed at this stage. Authorities, however, have asked civic agencies to intensify dust-control measures and continue monitoring the situation.
Health experts have advised children, senior citizens and people suffering from respiratory illnesses to limit prolonged outdoor exposure until air quality improves.
