Delhi Air Quality Still ‘Very Poor’; AQI Continues To Hover Above 300

Delhi’s air pollution stays stubborn despite brief improvement this week, with many areas again reporting “very poor” air. On Thursday, several neighbourhoods recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) readings above 300, while a thin smog layer covered the city.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed Anand Vihar and Delhi Cantonment each at an AQI of 302. North India’s slight temperature drop has trapped pollutants near the surface, leaving the national capital under persistent haze.

Delhi air pollution and AQI levels: official scale and recent trend

CPCB categorises AQI bands as follows:

After nine straight days in the “very poor” band, Delhi’s average AQI briefly eased on Tuesday. The city slipped into the “poor” category then, with the daily figure falling just below 300 before worsening again later.

Strong winds on Wednesday gave temporary relief and helped disperse pollutants. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI at 4 pm stood at 259, which lies in the “poor” bracket, according to CPCB numbers shared for that period.

The CPCB data also tracked a gradual decline earlier in the week. The average AQI measured 282 on Tuesday, 314 on Monday and 308 on Sunday. Officials described Tuesday’s fall as marginal because health risk levels stayed high.

Delhi air pollution and AQI concerns raised by political leaders

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh again flagged health concerns and the lack of a long-term plan. “We have all seen that the AQI in Delhi has crossed 800. No one talks bout finding a permanent solution to this. In Punjab, the incidents of stubble burning have reduced. We need to have coordination between Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and the Central government. The national capital, where the Prime Minister, the President, MPs and all important people stay, has become the most polluted city in the world...” he said.

Mumbai also faced smoky skies, though air there was comparatively better than Delhi. The city reported an AQI of 119 on Thursday morning, classed as “moderate”, with a layer of haze visible across several parts.

For Mumbai, Wednesday’s AQI stood at 147, improving from 170 on Tuesday. Despite this easing, both readings remained in the “moderate” band, signalling continuing pollution concerns for residents in the financial capital and wider urban belt.