Dirty air grips parts of Asia as Delhi hits extreme pollution levels
Asia recorded sharply contrasting air pollution levels over the weekend, with parts of northern India choking under extreme smog while Southeast Asian capitals reported more moderate, though rising, concentrations of fine particulate matter.
In New Delhi, air quality deteriorated to one of its worst levels on record for December. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 461 on Sunday, making it the most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December reading historically.
Several areas in the Indian capital reached the maximum measurable AQI level of 500, including industrial zones such as Wazirpur, beyond which official monitoring systems do not register additional deterioration.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that by mid-afternoon, nearly all of Delhi’s active monitoring stations were in the “severe” pollution category, reflecting widespread exposure to hazardous air.
Authorities attributed the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including weak winds and low temperatures, which trapped pollutants close to the ground and prevented dispersion.
In response, India’s Commission for Air Quality Management ordered the immediate suspension of all outdoor physical activities across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, citing serious health risks, particularly for children.
The commission also enforced the strictest level of emergency pollution controls, including a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities, as part of its graded response plan.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, average PM2.5 concentrations were reported at 26 micrograms per cubic metre on Saturday, below Thailand’s national safety threshold but still categorised as moderate in several districts.
Eastern and southern parts of the Thai capital recorded the highest readings, with some districts approaching the upper end of the moderate range, according to the city’s Air Quality Information Centre.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
