Following a brief mid-week respite, Delhi's AQI surged to 387 on Saturday, nearing 'severe' levels as documented in our ongoing coverage of the winter pollution crisis. Thick smog reduced visibility, affecting 18 areas above 400, including hotspots like Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri, and prompting airport advisories.
Building on the severe pollution and fog challenges outlined earlier this week—with AQI already exceeding 350 across Delhi-NCR and significant health risks from elevated PM2.5—conditions worsened further on Saturday. The city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 387, just below the 'severe' threshold of 400, reversing a short-lived improvement.
Hotspots such as Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, and Vivek Vihar topped 400, with 18 areas breaching this mark amid winter stagnation. Dense smog has slashed visibility, leading to an advisory from Indira Gandhi International Airport for potential flight disruptions. Neighboring NCR regions like Ghaziabad and Noida also saw rising pollution.
Health experts reiterate risks of respiratory issues, building on prior warnings of increased pediatric emergencies and cardiovascular threats. GRAP measures, including construction bans and traffic curbs, remain active but are hampered by stagnant weather.