Delhi's air quality dropped to the 'moderate' category on Wednesday, logging an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 129. This shift marks the end of a five-day streak of 'satisfactory' air. The culprit? A fresh wave of agricultural burning. The ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute reported 19 new residue-burning events across six states this week. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh accounted for 14 of those incidents, with four in Madhya Pradesh and one in Haryana. Since these states border the capital, the smoke travels directly into Delhi's atmosphere.
For those dealing with asthma, COPD, or chronic respiratory issues, 'moderate' air is a yellow flag. It's not an emergency, but it's not safe for sensitive lungs either. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines moderate air as an AQI between 101 and 200. At this level, sensitive groups—children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions—should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. The IIT Delhi monitoring station recorded a 'poor' AQI of 207 at 6 pm, serving as a reminder that pollution can spike unpredictably within the city.
The weather isn't helping. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that the ventilation index remains below 6,000 square meters per second, with wind speeds under 10 kmph. These are stagnant conditions. Smoke doesn't disperse; it settles. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts this 'moderate' status will persist from October 1 to 3. With no rainfall recorded in the preceding 24 hours to wash away particulate matter, the air remains thick. Temperatures hovered around 34°C at Safdarjung, adding to the discomfort of breathing in polluted air.
Stubble burning is a seasonal ritual for farmers clearing fields for wheat and vegetables, but the health cost falls on the capital's residents. Between September 15 and 30, 114 burning events were already detected across the region. If you're planning outdoor workouts or long walks in the next few days, consider shifting them to early morning when pollution levels are typically lower. Keep your room purifier on, and if you experience coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness, limit time outdoors. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.