The air in Delhi-NCR has turned toxic as sluggish winds fail to clear pollutants, catapulting AQI readings past danger thresholds into severe territory. From the heart of Delhi to Noida and Ghaziabad suburbs, citizens are advised to brace for health alerts amid choking smog.
Delhi’s stations reveal alarming spikes: Burari Crossing leads at 345, followed by Ashok Vihar’s 337, Bawana 321, Anand Vihar 319, and Chandni Chowk 302—all red zone markers signaling emergency conditions. Orange zones include Alipur (242), DTU (271), Dwarka Sec-8 (234), while Ayanagar (158) and Mathura Road (189) offer minor respite in yellow.
Noida’s pollution is intensifying too, with Sector-125 at 286 (orange-red cusp), Sector-62 223, Sector-1 234, and Sector-116 232. Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram (324) and Vasundhara (301) are red-hotspots, Sanjay Nagar at 251 in orange.
IMD forecasts a welcome change: Light to moderate rain with gusts of 30-40 km/h on February 18 morning, possibly extending into afternoon, alongside thunder. Temps: Max 30°C/13°C today, dropping to 27°C/14°C tomorrow, stabilizing around 28°C/13°C later. This weather shift could flush out trapped pollutants, lowering AQI significantly by February 19 when clear conditions prevail.
Health officials highlight vulnerabilities for children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues, recommending air purifiers and minimal exposure. Vehicular emissions, stubble burning residues, and industrial output compound the winter woes. Will the rains deliver the cleanse NCR desperately needs? Fingers crossed as the region suffocates.