Recent satellite imagery released by NASA has revealed the alarming spread of toxic smoke covering Delhi, indicating a serious air pollution issue in the nation’s capital. The visuals from NASA Worldview showed a thick blanket of smog engulfing the northern plains of India on November 6, with air quality in several cities surrounding Delhi deteriorating to unhealthy levels.

In Delhi, the air quality continued to be “severe” in the morning, with stations across the city recording high levels of PM 2.5 (particulate matter) and carbon monoxide (CO). Neighboring areas such as Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad also experienced poor air quality, with air quality indexes ranging from 348 to 474.

Specifically, the Anand Vihar station in Delhi remained in the “severe” category, with PM 2.5 at 500 and CO at 112, according to the central pollution control board (CPCB). The Bawana station recorded severe levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, as well as moderate levels of CO.

At Delhi Technical University (DTU) station, PM 10 reached “severe” levels, while PM 2.5 was categorized as “very poor.” The CO levels were recorded as moderate. Similarly, the Dwarka sector 8 station reported high levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5, with moderate CO levels.

The air quality index (AQI) scale ranges from zero to 500, with different categories assigned based on the level of pollution. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good,” while 401 to 500 is classified as “severe.”

The situation in Delhi calls for immediate action to address the air pollution crisis. Efforts to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy sources, and improve public transportation infrastructure could play a significant role in combating this issue. However, long-term solutions are necessary to ensure sustained improvements in air quality and the well-being of the residents of Delhi.