Delhi air pollution reached a reported citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) of 629 on Wednesday, placing the capital in the ‘severe’ category, while readings in areas including Anand Vihar and Vivek Vihar crossed 700, according to Jagran – New Delhi. The reported levels have prompted health experts to advise residents to avoid morning walks, wear masks outdoors and leave home only when necessary.
The report said pollution levels across almost all parts of Delhi had moved beyond the 500 to 700 range. These readings indicate that the deterioration was not confined to one neighbourhood but was being recorded across multiple monitoring locations in the capital.
Among the areas specifically mentioned, Anand Vihar and Vivek Vihar recorded AQI levels above 700. The report did not provide a complete station-wise table of readings, but said pollution monitoring stations across major parts of Delhi had registered extremely high levels.
The reported conditions have immediate implications for daily movement and outdoor activity. Health experts cited in the report advised people to avoid morning exercise and walks, use masks when stepping outside and limit outdoor exposure to essential trips. The advice is particularly relevant in a city where residents, workers and school-going children routinely spend time outdoors during morning hours, although the supplied report did not provide separate guidance for specific age or health groups.
Measures to reduce visible pollution were also reported. A smog gun was photographed spraying water on Raja Ji Marg on Tuesday. The report did not specify the agency operating the equipment, the area covered, the number of machines deployed or the measurable impact of the spraying on AQI levels.
Delhi’s pollution episode coincided with clear and sunny weather on Wednesday. The report said the temperature was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius in the morning, with the maximum expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius and the minimum 17 degrees Celsius. Westerly winds were reported at 4 miles per hour. The weather department forecast stronger sunshine as the day progressed.
The reported combination of severe AQI readings and clear weather highlights the difference between visible weather conditions and the quality of air residents are breathing. Although the sky was described as clear and sunny, pollution monitoring stations were recording hazardous levels across the city. The report did not identify the specific emissions sources responsible for the episode or announce any new citywide restrictions.
The immediate public guidance remains to reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure, avoid morning walks and use masks outside. Further updates will depend on readings from Delhi’s monitoring stations and the next weather assessment.
