Delhi Braces for Severe Air Pollution: AQI on Verge of Catastrophic Levels

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Delhi is facing its seventh consecutive day of hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) inches away from hitting the 'severe' mark. As of Thursday morning, the AQI stood at 399, a mere 1 point from the critical threshold. The city's air quality has been deteriorating rapidly over the past three days, with a significant increase in particulate matter. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 20 air quality monitoring stations in the Capital have already surpassed the 'severe' category, with Wazirpur recording the highest AQI at 477. The situation is expected to worsen further, with the CPCB predicting that the AQI will remain in the 'very poor' category until November 21. However, a change in wind direction has led to a reduction in the impact of stubble burning in the National Capital Region. Data from the Decision Support System indicates that the contribution of stubble burning to PM2.5 in Delhi decreased to 3.88% on Wednesday, down from 5.43% on Tuesday and 16.13% on Monday. The National Capital Region is expected to experience severe air quality in the coming days, with Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida already witnessing 'severe' air quality. Ghaziabad, with an AQI reading of 422, was the most polluted city on Wednesday, according to CPCB data. Experts predict that the current condition will prevail for the next two to three days, with the air quality expected to remain in the 'severe' to 'very poor' category. Key points: - Delhi's AQI is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until November 21. - The situation is likely to worsen further, with the AQI expected to deteriorate to the 'severe' category on November 22. - The impact of stubble burning has reduced due to a change in wind direction. - Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida are experiencing 'severe' air quality, with Ghaziabad being the most polluted city on Wednesday.