Air Quality – Delhi’s AQI Stays in Poor Range Despite Slight Dip
Air Quality – The national capital woke up to polluted skies on Thursday, with overall air quality continuing to remain in the poor category. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 209 at 7 am, indicating that pollution levels are still above the safe threshold.
Although the figure marked an improvement from Wednesday’s reading of 294, which also fell in the poor range, air quality remains a pressing issue. On Tuesday morning, the AQI had stood at 267, reflecting fluctuating yet consistently elevated pollution levels over the past few days.
Temperature and Humidity Add to Morning Conditions
Weather conditions early Thursday added to the discomfort. The India Meteorological Department reported a temperature of 13.6 degrees Celsius around 7 am, accompanied by high humidity levels of 88 percent. Such conditions often contribute to the accumulation of pollutants close to the surface, slowing their dispersion.
The presence of moisture in the air can intensify the lingering haze, particularly during early morning hours when wind speeds tend to be lower.
Pollution Levels Vary Across Monitoring Stations
AQI readings differed significantly across various parts of the city. Among the more affected areas, Mundka registered an AQI of 275. Other localities reporting high levels included Shadipur at 236, Nehru Nagar at 249, Rohini at 238, and Bawana at 263. Jahangirpuri recorded 246, while Wazirpur and Pusa stood at 259 and 257 respectively.
Sirifort reported one of the higher figures at 277. Meanwhile, Ashok Vihar (229), Narela (240), Vivek Vihar (228), and Chandni Chowk (167) also reflected pollution levels that remain a concern for residents.
In contrast, several monitoring stations recorded comparatively better air quality, though still not within the ‘good’ range. Sri Aurobindo Marg posted an AQI of 159. Lodhi Road came in at 164, Major Dhyan Chand Stadium at 186, and Mandir Marg at 166. IIT Delhi reported 158, Aya Nagar recorded 168, and IGI Airport stood at 165.
Understanding AQI Categories
The AQI scale helps classify pollution levels and their potential health impact. A reading between 0 and 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is termed satisfactory. Levels between 101 and 200 fall under moderate. An AQI ranging from 201 to 300 is categorized as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, and any reading between 401 and 500 is deemed severe.
With Thursday’s citywide average at 209, Delhi remains in the poor bracket, a level that can cause breathing discomfort to people with respiratory conditions and prolonged exposure risks for the general population.
Smog and Higher Readings Reported a Day Earlier
A day before the slight improvement, several parts of Delhi were shrouded in smog, raising public concern. CPCB data from Wednesday indicated significantly higher readings at multiple locations.
Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 317, while Bawana stood at 333. Chandni Chowk reported 280 and Dwarka Sector 8 registered 252. The AQI at IGI Airport Terminal 3 was 192, comparatively lower than many other stations.
ITO and Punjabi Bagh both logged readings of 277. RK Puram recorded 296, while Wazirpur reached 339. Rohini stood at 335, and Narela recorded 344. Around India Gate and Kartavya Path, the AQI was 277, while AIIMS reported 296. Akshardham Temple registered 317, placing it in the very poor category.
The variations across monitoring stations highlight the uneven distribution of pollutants across the capital. While a marginal decline in the overall AQI offers limited relief, authorities continue to track the situation closely as seasonal conditions influence pollution patterns.