## Delhi's Current Air Quality and Volcanic Ash Concerns
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently rated as Very Poor, measuring 362. Recently, volcanic ash from an eruption in Ethiopia has reached the region, raising public concerns about additional health risks.
## Expert Insights on Volcanic Ash Impact
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other experts, the volcanic ash plume is present at a very high altitude. This altitude keeps the ash above the breathable lower atmosphere where Delhi residents live, meaning it does not significantly affect air quality on the ground.
> "The high-altitude volcanic plume from Ethiopia is primarily an aviation hazard and does not pose a direct threat to Delhi's air quality," say IMD specialists.
Therefore, despite the ash's presence over the city’s airspace, there is no considerable impact on the existing pollution levels, which remain dominated by local sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and weather conditions.
## Aviation Versus Air Quality Threats
Volcanic ash clouds are hazardous for aircraft engines and navigation, prompting aviation warnings and reroutes. However, when it comes to ground-level pollution and public health concerns, the Ethiopian volcanic ash plume does not contribute noticeably.
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The volcanic ash from Ethiopia over Delhi remains at high altitudes, posing risks to aviation but not worsening the city’s already poor ground-level air quality.
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Zee News on MSN — 2025-11-25