Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' Amidst Cold Day Conditions
Delhi grapples with 'severe' air pollution and cold, raising health and environmental concerns.
Photo by Ronak Naik
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 'severe' levels in many areas, particularly Anand Vihar (408) and Jahangirpuri (405). This coincides with 'cold day' conditions, where maximum temperatures are at least 4.5°C below normal. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows the city's average AQI at 388, categorized as 'very poor'.
The primary pollutants are PM2.5 and PM10, which are tiny particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs. This alarming situation underscores the persistent challenge of air pollution in the National Capital Region, impacting public health and visibility.
मुख्य तथ्य
Delhi's average AQI: 388 ('very poor')
Anand Vihar AQI: 408 ('severe')
Jahangirpuri AQI: 405 ('severe')
Cold day conditions: Max temp 4.5°C below normal
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environmental pollution and degradation (GS-III)
Government policies and interventions for environmental protection (GS-II, GS-III)
Health impacts of pollution (GS-II, GS-III)
Constitutional provisions related to environment (GS-II)
Meteorological phenomena affecting air quality (GS-I Geography, GS-III Environment)
दृश्य सामग्री
Delhi's Air Quality Status (December 2025)
This map illustrates the 'Severe' and 'Very Poor' air quality levels across key locations in Delhi amidst recent cold day conditions, highlighting the persistent pollution challenge in the National Capital Region.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
Delhi's air pollution crisis is a recurring annual phenomenon, particularly severe during winter. This issue has historical roots in rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing vehicular population without adequate environmental safeguards.
Geographical factors like being landlocked and meteorological conditions such as temperature inversions and low wind speeds exacerbate the problem, trapping pollutants. The problem gained significant national and international attention in the mid-2010s, leading to various policy interventions.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
The news highlights the current deterioration of Delhi's air quality to 'severe' levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in several areas. This coincides with 'cold day' conditions, where maximum temperatures are significantly below normal, further hindering pollutant dispersion.
PM2.5 and PM10 are identified as primary pollutants, posing serious health risks. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) continues to monitor and report these alarming levels, underscoring the persistent challenge in the National Capital Region.
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding air quality and pollution in India: 1. An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 301 and 400 is categorized as 'Severe'. 2. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, capable of deep lung penetration. 3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect: An AQI reading between 301 and 400 is categorized as 'Very Poor', while 401-500 is 'Severe'. Statement 2 is correct: PM2.5 are fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and bloodstream. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It was later entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
2. In the context of combating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas. 2. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. 3. SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide location-specific information on air quality and weather.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, established in 2020, is responsible for implementing GRAP, replacing the earlier Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Statement 2 is correct: NCAP aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. Statement 3 is correct: SAFAR is indeed a national initiative introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide real-time air quality information and forecasts.
3. Which of the following statements correctly explains the phenomenon of 'cold day' conditions and its relation to air pollution? 1. A 'cold day' is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C below normal, and the minimum temperature is also significantly low. 2. Temperature inversion, often associated with cold weather, traps pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. 3. The right to a clean environment, implicitly derived from Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, mandates the state to take measures against air pollution.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct: As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a 'cold day' occurs when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal, and the minimum temperature is also low. The news report specifically mentions maximum temperatures being at least 4.5°C below normal. Statement 2 is correct: Temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air sits above a layer of cold air, preventing vertical mixing. This traps pollutants near the ground, leading to higher concentrations. Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court of India has interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right to a clean and healthy environment, thereby placing a constitutional obligation on the state to protect it.
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