Air pollution is a major concern in Delhi that affects the lives of over 33.8 Million people. Mostly AQI levels in Delhi remain in the poor to unhealthy category. But every winter, the levels increased in the severe conditions. From October onwards, air quality conditions start deteriorating. Winters and air pollution come together to make Delhi a living Hell. This year too, Delhi won the title as Delhi the most polluted city in the world. Till now, air quality conditions in Pakistan are concerning. As recently AQI levels in Pakistan are skyrocket and affected many people in Pakistan.
Delhi reported the worst day on 18th November 2024 because of the worst AQI levels in history. AQI levels in Delhi NCR crossed the number of 1000 which is way beyond “Hazardous” levels of 400 to 500+. On 17th November 2024 around 09:00 PM, AQI levels in Delhi recorded 645. After this, AQI levels in Delhi remained 700+. In many locations, AQI reached around 1000+ in Delhi NCR. Many residents reported breathing issues as they experienced sore throats and heavy breathing.
Before Nov 17, Delhi overtook Lahore, Pakistan’s position for highest air pollution levels on November 13. Lahore AQI levels touching the sky as air quality conditions are the worst in the city. Similarly, AQI in Delhi is at its worst levels and increasing day by day. From the 1st November onwards AQI levels in Delhi remained in high levels. Moreover, the same AQI status persuades in NCR cities as well. Delhi NCR AQI levels are concerning resulting in Long-term air pollution. Here know what was the AQI conditions in Delhi from the start of November till now. Also, know how this long-term air pollution exposure imposes severe concern on Delhiites’s health.
20 Days of November and 20 days of Air pollution in Delhi!
First 15 days of November in Delhi:
The first 15 days of November come with “Severe” to “Hazardous” AQI levels. Delhiietes do not get a single day to breathe a little better air. Because AQI levels remain at the peak of 300. Besides, 2 days of “Hazardous” levels have been recorded in these 15 days.
Air Quality Trends in New Delhi (November 2024)
1st to 5th November:
Conditions:
November 2024 started with AQI at 307 in the “Severe” category. By each day AQI levels increased steadily and reached 383 on 4th November. The next day, AQI levels declined a little to 352 levels on 5th November.
Key highlights:
- 31st October and 1st November, Delhi celebrated 2 days of Diwali.
- Besides, industrial activities and vehicular emissions increased in the city.
- And the crop burning in the nearby states increased the pollution levels.
Health impacts of AQI between 300 to 400 levels:
- Severe Level of air quality can result in extreme health issues in a healthy person. Since, short-term exposure to Severe AQI can cause breathing issues, eye irritation, coughing and other concerns.
- Individuals with pre-disorders or health concerns such as asthmatic people can experience more problems. Thus, saving the children and elderly groups is necessary at these levels.
5th to 10th November:
5 days were completed in November 2024, but AQI remained in the same category. Again on November 7, AQI levels reached 385 and till the 10th of November, AQI improved a little at 333 but was still in the “Severe” category.
Key highlights:
- Stubble burning continued in some neighbouring regions of Delhi.
- Some more fire-crackers after Diwali celebrations with industrial and vehicle emissions.
- A drop in temperature stores more pollutants in the atmosphere.
Health impacts:
- PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter) levels increased. These can result in a spike in cases of asthma, breathing issues, and bronchitis due to 10 days of pollution exposure.
- More cases of eye, nose and throat irritations, and many residents reported sore throat and fatigue due to high pollution levels.
10th to 15th November:
The pollution game started in Delhi from November 10 to 15. AQI levels on 12th November stabilized a little as some of the months started. These numbers were just a myth for Delhiites because the actual colours showed on 13th November as AQI at 456 “Hazardous” level. The next day AQI levels were at 446 and in the same category.
Key Insights:
- 3 days of “Dangerous” air quality in Delhi makes the conditions worse.
- On 13th November, Delhi woke up with a thick layer of smog around the city. This smog episode is continuous for 3rd day.
- The winter also knocked on the Delhi door on 13th November. It increased the AQI levels the most and kept them at “Hazardous” levels for a long period.
- These levels resulted in an air quality emergency in the capital. The government implemented GRAP-3 in Delhi on the 15th of November morning.
Health impacts:
- Everyone in Delhi experienced breathing issues such as stuffiness in the throat and sore throat.
- Hospitals reported spikes in cases related to breathing, cough, runny nose, skin irritation and other respiratory problems.
- Asthmatic and other sensitive groups faced extreme health conditions. Under GRAP-3, primary schools started online classes to limit pollution exposure for children.
The Day Delhi becomes the most polluted in the World in 2024: From 15th to 19th Nov
On 15th November, the lowest AQI in November noted at 4:00 PM. At midnight of 16th November, the air pollution started increasing in Delhi. The highest AQI on 16th Nov was recorded at 501, 08:00 AM. Then, AQI levels remained in the “Severe” to “Hazardous” category. Next Day, AQI levels continuously recorded at 400+ to 500 throughout the day. Delhiites faced “Hazardous” AQI levels on 17th November. From the 17th Nov’s nights onwards, air pollution in Delhi started increasing more. It resulted in 804 AQI levels in Delhi on 18th Nov at midnight. After this, AQI dipped a little but again stuck around 700 and an air pollution crisis resulted around 12:00 PM, 18th Nov. AQI readings recorded at 961. The average AQI in Delhi on Monday recorded at 795 which breaks all previous AQI limits.
Key Insights:
- 18th November 2024 declared as the most polluted day in Delhi.
- AQI levels on 17th November were in “Hazardous” levels throughout the day. It resulted that the Delhi Government implemented GRAP-4 from Monday onwards.
- GRAP-4 in Delhi has strict action plans. Schools and every educational institute were closed.
- 10 and 12 classes set to online for student’s safety and health-being.
The ending thoughts:
Delhi became the most polluted city in the world. The shown data highlights the pressing need for actionable and fast-paced solutions to combat the air pollution crisis in Delhi. It’s not just the government’s role to control the air pollution in India. It is our responsibility to know our footprint in the environment. Also, staying safe and protecting your loved ones is crucial in this air pollution episode in Delhi.
