Delhi AQI: Smog blankets city as several areas breach 400; airport issues flight advisory

The residents of Delhi and areas close to it experienced thick smog on Saturday, as the air quality almost reached the severe level. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 390, which is classified as 'very poor.'

However, several areas in the capital city were listed under the severe category as far as air quality was concerned.

Current AQI of Delhi regions under severe category

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Anand Vihar: 436

Ashok Vihar: 435

Bawana : 428

Burari crossing: 415

Chandni Chowk: 419

DTU: 426

Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range: 403

ITO: 425

Jahangirpuri: 442

Mundka: 426

Narela: 431

Nehru Nagar: 427

R K Puram: 404

Patparganj: 426

Punjabi Bagh: 421

Vivek Vihar: 442

Wazirpur: 445

Current AQI of Delhi regions under very poor category

Alipur: 393

Aya Nagar: 326

Dwarka Sec 8: 394

Dilshad Garden: 319

The AQI is classified into six categories along the ranges of 0-50 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'.

The level of AQI between 0-50 is rated 'good' which means little or no health effect. While, in case of 51 to 100, the level of AQI is rated as 'satisfactory', meaning the quality is still acceptable, but sensitive people as children, elderly persons and those with breathing problems, can feel a little discomfort.

The 'moderate' category which is assigned from 101 to 200, indicates the rising of pollution levels, which can cause persons with asthma, lung or heart disease to have difficulty in breathing.

An AQI of 201 to 300 means 'poor' which is a period where the air is bad enough that even healthy people with no prior issues can complain about discomfort. This has become a common scenario during winter in some areas of the capital city.

The ranges of levels from 301 to 400 are termed 'very poor', which might lead to developing respiratory diseases even for healthy people if the exposure is long. With the levels of 401 to 500, the air is found very polluted coming under the category of 'severe'. At this point, air becomes a dangerous thing for everyone.

Delhi airport issues advisory

Amidst concerning AQI and a thick layer of smog, the Delhi airport issued a passenger advisory saying, 'Kind attention to all flyers!'

The advisory said that low-visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. "All flight operations are presently normal," the airport said. Delhi airport further urged passengers to contact the relevant airline for updated flight information.