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Smog Blanket Over North India, Air Quality Drops To "Severe" Level
NDTV News Desk | Updated: November 13, 2024 23:18 IST
Satellite images show the smog blanket stretching across practically the whole of north India.
There has been an early onset of toxic cover across Delhi and north India this year owing to stubble burning across the north Indian states. What is also shocking is the scale of the smog cover, as well as the level of pollutants present in it.
Satellite images show the white blanket stretching across practically the whole of north India -- all the way down to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. In the east, it stretches well beyond Central Uttar Pradesh.
The smog blanket, while registering its presence just around Diwali, settles down in earnest towards the end of December and continues throughout January.
What makes this doubly clear is a satellite image from last year. Here is a comparison of both images from the Korean Geo Kompsat 2A satellite.
The smog cover over Delhi was thick and significantly dropped air quality to the 'Severe' category. The Air Quality Index had crossed the 400 mark -- when the approved mark is around 60.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Pollution board CAQM said: "Today, Delhi's daily average AQI clocked 418 as per the 4 PM AQI Bulletin by CPCB. The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP accordingly took stock of the air quality scenario and the AQI forecast, including for the meteorological conditions as made by IMD/ IITM."
Today, Delhi's daily average AQI clocked 418 as per the 4 PM AQI Bulletin by CPCB. The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP accordingly took stock of the air quality scenario and the AQI forecast, including for the meteorological conditions as made by IMD/ IITM.
— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) November 13, 2024
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The low visibility sevrely hampered flight operations. The smog caused zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8.30 am. The Runway Visual Range varied between 125 and 500 metres, the met department said.
The pollution board said they expect the situation to improve by tomorrow morning, "owing to stronger winds".
The Air Quality Index is also expected to move back to the 'Very Poor' category tomorrow.
Published: November 13, 2024 23:03 IST
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Asian News International | Saturday October 18, 2025 , New DelhiThe Air Quality Index (AQI) around Akshardham was recorded at 230, in the 'Poor' category, in Delhi this morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Press Trust of India | Friday October 17, 2025 , New Delhi
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category for the fourth consecutive day on Friday as the city continued to reel under rising pollution levels in the run-up to Diwali.
- Written by Shreya Goswami | Saturday October 18, 2025
As pollution levels rise across Indian cities, understanding what Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers mean is key to protecting your health.
- Reported by Ishika Verma | Friday October 17, 2025 , New Delhi
Delhi's winter anti-pollution plan for 2025-26 is now active, with authorities stepping up measures across dust control, vehicles, construction, industry, waste, and stubble burning as the city braces for seasonal pollution.
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Diwali celebrations lead to air pollution due to the burning of crackers and the climactic change. Read on as we discuss impact of high AQI on health and how to stay safe.
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