Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog as AQI Climbs to 386

Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog as AQI Climbs to 386
Delhi woke up on Saturday to a blanket of thick smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 386, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. Visibility remained extremely low across the city, with India Gate barely visible through the dense haze. Commuters reported difficulty navigating early-morning traffic as the smog reduced clarity on major roads.
The deteriorating air quality has been attributed to a combination of factors, including calm winds, vehicular emissions, construction activity, and lingering pollutants from crop residue burning in nearby states. Health officials have advised residents—especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor exposure.
Authorities are expected to review emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as pollution levels continue to rise. Meanwhile, Delhiites remain hopeful for a shift in weather conditions to provide some relief from the increasingly hazardous air.