Delhi's NO2 levels 3 times the safe limit at hot spots

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Delhi have surged to nearly three times the national safe limit across several locations since November 1, adding a dangerous new layer to the Capital's air pollution crisis even as PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations stayed in the "severe" range on Friday.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) analysed by the think tank Envirocatalysts, the hourly NO2 concentration peaked at 240µg/m3 at the IGI Airport (T3) station under the India Meteorological Department. This is three times the CPCB's safe standard of 80µg/m3 and almost 10 times the World Health Organisation's limit of 25ug/m3.

Other major hotspots recorded similar spikes. ITO, one of Delhi's busiest intersections, logged 221ug/m3, while Delhi University's North Campus touched 210ug/m3. Lodhi Road (18lug/m3), Mundka (178ug/m3) and JLN Stadium also reported elevated readings.