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The spell of noxious pollution in Delhi worsened on Thursday, as the air plunged even deeper into the "severe" category with an air quality index (AQI) of 451 — making it the most polluted December day in three years, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

NEW DELHI:

The last time the city breathed worse air in the month was on December 26, 2021, when the AQI hit 459. The most polluted December day ever was December 21, 2017, at 469.

Thursday's AQI was also the worst for the city in a month. The last higher reading was on November 19, with an AQI of 460.

The Noida authority, meanwhile, has intensified efforts to curb the toxic pollution levels after a brief respite in Gautam Budh Nagar, officials said on Friday. Construction activities at multiple sites have been halted and to further mitigate pollution, authorities are sprinkling water from 130 tankers at major pollution hotspots.

This week has seen relentless toxic air, beginning Sunday when wind speeds dropped, causing pollutants to accumulate. The AQI deteriorated from "poor" at 294 on Sunday to "severe" at 433 on Tuesday, 445 on Wednesday, and now 451 on Thursday.

To make matters worse, forecasts show no significant change in climatic factors causing the pollution. With no rise in wind speed on the cards, the AQI is set to remain "severe" at least till Friday, if not till Saturday, the Centre's Early Warning System for Delhi (EWS) has said.

"A feeble western disturbance is impacting northwest India and winds have been fairly stagnant. The same western disturbance has also brought moisture, which also helps trap pollutants," said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Meteorology.