Delhi's Air Quality Index Hits 'Very Poor' Category With AQI Of 322 On Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) worsened, reaching the 'very poor' category with a reading of 322 at 6 am. This data was sourced from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The decline in air quality followed a prediction by the central government's Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), which anticipated fluctuations between 'poor' and 'very poor' categories over the next six days.

Neighbouring areas also experienced similar conditions. Noida recorded an AQI of 353, while Ghaziabad's AQI stood at 310, both falling into the 'very poor' category. In contrast, Gurugram's AQI was slightly better at 247, categorised as 'poor'. Faridabad fared even better with an AQI of 198, placing it in the 'moderate' category.

Delhi's Area-wise AQI

In Delhi, Anand Vihar and Wazipur reported the most severe air quality levels with AQIs of 430 and 403 respectively. These figures were classified as 'severe', according to the SAMEER app developed by CPCB. Other areas like Ashok Vihar (369), Bawana (390), and Chandni Chowk (376) also faced significant pollution levels.

Several locations in Delhi recorded AQIs in the 'very poor' range. For instance, Alipur had an AQI of 309, while Burari Crossing registered 344. Similarly, Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar reported AQIs of 370 and 371 respectively. These readings indicate a consistent pattern of deteriorating air quality across various parts of the city.

AQI Categories Explained

The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows: 'good' for scores between 0-51, 'satisfactory' for 51-100, 'moderate' for 101-200, 'poor' for 201-300, 'very poor' for 301-400, and 'severe' for scores above 400. This classification helps in understanding the severity of pollution levels across different regions.

Some areas managed to maintain relatively better air quality. Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 272 and Lodhi Road had a reading of 290, both falling under the 'poor' category. Meanwhile, Najafgarh and Sri Aurobindo Marg were in the 'moderate' category with AQIs of 164 and 176 respectively.

The ongoing fluctuation in air quality highlights a persistent environmental challenge for Delhi and its surrounding regions. Efforts to monitor and improve air conditions remain crucial as residents continue to face health risks associated with high pollution levels.