Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Poor’ for Second Day; Dust Storm, Combustion Cited as Key Causes
Delhi recorded ‘poor’ air quality for the second consecutive day on Friday, with several areas reporting AQI levels above 300 due to dust storms and rising pollution levels.
Air quality in the national capital dipped sharply again, with areas like Wazirpur and Mundka touching the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels stood at 410 in Wazirpur, 406 in Mundka, 331 in Rohini, and 322 in Ashok Vihar as of 7:05 am. India Gate reported an AQI of 249, with visibility severely reduced.
The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI between 201 and 300 as ‘poor’ and above 400 as ‘severe’, with associated health risks for the general population and serious impacts on those with respiratory illnesses.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the sudden deterioration to a powerful dust storm that swept through Delhi on the night of May 14. Wind speeds of 30–40 km/h caused visibility to plummet in the Palam area, stirring up vast quantities of dust and pollutants across the city.
“Strong, dust-laden winds from the west or southwest can lift loose soil and road dust, significantly worsening PM10 levels in Delhi during summer months,” said Sunil Dahiya, Founder and Lead Analyst at Envirocatalysts.
Experts have also noted an uptick in combustion-related pollutants like PM2.5, which may be tied to local waste burning, landfill fires, or even transboundary smoke from crop residue and forest fires.
“Delhi’s pollution crisis is not just about dust. Combustion sources—open waste burning, nearby crop fires, or forest fires—are increasingly contributing to toxic air,” Dahiya added.
Although winter is typically the worst season for air quality in Delhi, this spike in May highlights the growing challenge of summer smog. Dry conditions, increasing urban construction, and inadequate dust control measures exacerbate the problem.
While the IMD has not forecast rain—which could settle dust particles—the CPCB has advised sensitive groups to limit outdoor exposure. Civic bodies have also been urged to intensify mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling across affected zones.
