
Wed Nov 13 01:44:55 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes Under Severe Air Pollution as Winter Sets In
**New Delhi, India -** The onset of winter in Delhi has brought with it a surge in air pollution, leaving residents struggling with respiratory issues. The city’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the “very poor” category on Monday, registering a 24-hour average of 352, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Tuesday, with the AQI hovering around 359. This alarming situation has prompted experts to advise residents to limit their outdoor activities during these hazardous conditions.
The rise in air pollution has led to a spike in respiratory ailments, including asthma and shortness of breath. Hospitals are witnessing an increase in patients seeking treatment for these issues.
Several other Indian cities, including Chandigarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Mandideep, are also experiencing “very poor” air quality.
While Delhi’s AQI dipped slightly in the past two days, it remains significantly high. The city is currently experiencing moderate fog, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 17 degrees Celsius.
New Delhi, Muzaffarpur, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Saharsa, and Chandigarh were among the top ten most polluted cities in India on Tuesday.
In contrast, major metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune recorded satisfactory AQI levels.
The AQI is a measure of air quality that ranges from 0 to 500. An AQI of 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” and 401-500 “severe.”