New Delhi: This morning, both Delhi and Mumbai were engulfed in thick smog as air quality deteriorated in the two major cities. At 8 a.m., Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous 335, placing it in the "very poor" category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during early hours and after sunset. Parts of Delhi, including areas like Mayur Vihar, continue to be shrouded in a light haze, with air quality remaining at the "very poor" level.
(Drone visuals shot around 9 am)
Several regions in the national capital reported alarmingly high AQI levels exceeding 350, with Bawana reaching 383, Mundka at 358, New Moti Bagh at 394, RK Puram at 368, and Wazirpur at 366, as per SAFAR data. Central Delhi’s Kartavya Path, along with the towering buildings in Kalindi Kunj and surrounding areas, were engulfed in thick smog. In an effort to reduce pollution, authorities were seen using anti-smog guns to spray water on Ashoka Road, as captured in recent visuals.Meanwhile, in Agra, located about 240 kilometers from Delhi, the air quality remained within the 'satisfactory' range, though a dense layer of haze shrouded the Taj Mahal, barely allowing tourists a view of the iconic monument.
Air quality is classified as follows: 101-200 is "moderate," 200-300 is "poor," 301-400 is "very poor," 401-450 is "severe," and anything above 450 is considered "severe plus." This morning, Mumbai's air quality was recorded in the "moderate" range, with an AQI of 139.
Maharashtra: A layer of smog envelops Mumbai. Visuals from Bandra Reclamation.
Nanadeep Garden registered the highest pollution levels, with an AQI of 306, while Kandivali West followed closely with an AQI of 222. Other areas like Bhandup, Colaba, Chembur, Bandra Kurla Complex, and Byculla saw air quality falling within the "moderate" range.