Delhi: Delhi’s air quality has shown a marginal improvement over the past few days, but several areas, including Anand Vihar, continue to face hazardous pollution levels. While the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for the city has shifted from “very poor” to “poor,” local hotspots are still recording dangerously high readings.

Anand Vihar remains a major concern, with AQI levels exceeding 360, keeping it firmly in the severe category. Experts say particulate matter, particularly PM₁₀, continues to dominate in this area, contributing to health risks for residents.

Meteorologists and environmental authorities have highlighted that calm winds and nighttime temperature inversions are trapping pollutants, limiting the effect of any short-term improvements. While stubble burning from neighboring states has contributed minimally during this episode, local sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and dust are playing a more significant role in the city’s current pollution levels.

The government has activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan and deployed teams to monitor dust, construction activity, and vehicle emissions. Plans for artificial rain through cloud seeding are also underway in an effort to bring down pollutant levels before the weekend.

Health authorities continue to urge residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to reduce outdoor exposure. Wearing high-quality masks and using air purifiers indoors are recommended as immediate measures to mitigate the effects of pollution.

While a slight improvement is visible in some parts of Delhi, experts caution that changing wind patterns and colder weather may lead to a rise in pollution in the coming days. Authorities and citizens alike are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard public health.