Chennai Records Best Air Quality While Delhi Faces Severe Pollution
Delhi and several other metropolitan cities in India are facing a sharp rise in air pollution as winter sets in, with the capital recording critically high levels of fine particulate matter. On Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi surged to 314, categorised as ‘very poor’, with some areas exceeding 370. The worsening air quality comes just days before Diwali, raising health concerns for residents and prompting urgent advisories from environmental experts.
The spike in pollution is largely attributed to reduced wind speeds, increased vehicular emissions, and the onset of seasonal crop residue burning in neighbouring states. Delhi-NCR is particularly vulnerable during this period, with air stagnation exacerbating the concentration of pollutants. Experts have warned that the air quality is likely to deteriorate further over the next week unless proactive measures are taken.
In comparison, other metro cities showed a mixed picture. Chennai recorded the best air quality among the eight major cities monitored, remaining in the ‘good’ AQI range under 50. Bangalore and Mumbai reported moderate air quality levels, with Mumbai showing a marked improvement after several days of elevated pollution. These disparities highlight the localised impact of urbanisation, industrial activity, and meteorological factors on air quality.
The AQI categorisation ranges from ‘Good’ (0-50) to ‘Severe’ (401-500), with Delhi now firmly in the ‘very poor’ bracket. Health authorities have strongly advised residents to minimise outdoor exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Use of N95 or equivalent masks, air purifiers indoors, and avoidance of outdoor exercise are recommended until pollution levels subside.
Officials emphasised the need for long-term interventions to mitigate seasonal air pollution. Strategies such as cleaner fuels, enhanced public transport, stricter vehicular emission norms, and timely enforcement of anti-burning regulations are critical for reducing the health risks associated with high AQI levels.While winter pollution peaks are an annual challenge, proactive citizen engagement and government accountability can substantially alleviate public health hazards. As Delhi prepares for festival celebrations, the balance between festive activities and environmental safety remains a pressing concern.
