Delhi’s air has shown a modest improvement today, easing slightly from yesterday’s dense haze, though ten monitoring stations remain in the “severe” danger zone. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 400 early today—still in hazardous territory due to elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels—marking a slight drop from weekend peaks above 450. Areas like Wazirpur, Rohini, and Anand Vihar recorded AQI near 500, where breathing feels akin to heavy smoking, while Shadipur saw some relief in the “very poor” range around 375.

The lingering smog results from a combination of cooler temperatures, stagnant winds, trapped moisture, and pollution sources like farm stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and dust. A recent wind shift briefly improved conditions, but the air quality quickly worsened again, prompting GRAP Stage IV measures that enforce strict curbs on construction, truck movements, and school operations. Flights and trains faced delays, and Delhi’s hospitals have continued to see high numbers of respiratory cases over recent years.

Health authorities urge vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, and asthmatics—to stay indoors with windows closed and air purifiers running, while N95 masks remain essential for outdoor activity. Reducing personal vehicle use, avoiding biomass fires, and pushing for stricter stubble-burning controls can help mitigate pollution. While forecasts suggest possible short-term relief, long-term improvement depends on regional action and cleaner transportation and farming practices. Despite today’s slight gain, the persistence of ten severe stations underscores that the fight against Delhi’s winter smog is far from over.