New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi reached hazardous levels on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 481 at 7 a.m., falling under the 'severe-plus' category. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an Orange Alert for dense fog on Monday. This alarming level has alarming health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. 

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), most of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations recorded AQI values exceeding 450. Nearby areas were also severely affected. Noida's AQI was recorded at 384, falling under the 'very poor' category, while Faridabad saw an AQI of 320, categorised as 'poor'. Ghaziabad and Gurugram experienced 'severe' air conditions with AQIs of 400 and 446, respectively. 

The fog has further exacerbated the situation by significantly reducing visibility. The combination of fog and toxic air has disrupted flight operations, causing widespread delays. 

Despite efforts to curb the pollution, the city remains covered in smog, leading many residents to describe the environment as a "gas chamber." The cold wave arriving at the same time has added to the health crisis, further aggravating breathing difficulties. 

In West Delhi, morning walkers shared their concerns, stating, “This is not fog, it is pollution. Breathing has become difficult, especially for those above 50 years of age.” 

Earlier on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan ('Severe+'Air Quality) in Delhi-NCR from Monday amid worsening air. 

The decision came after the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of the GRAP called an emergency meeting in view of the rising pollution owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR.

On Sunday, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index clocked 441 at 4 p.m., as per the Daily AQI Bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and further rose to 457 at 7 p.m.

According to CPCB measures, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe-plus'.

IANS