AirQuality – Delhi Air Pollution Levels Edge Higher Amid Rain Forecast
AirQuality – Delhi’s air quality showed a slight decline on Tuesday morning as pollution levels increased modestly across several parts of the city. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital climbed to 159, compared to 151 recorded a day earlier. Despite the rise, the overall air quality remained within the “moderate” category.
Several Delhi Locations Report Poor Air Quality
While the city’s average AQI stayed in the moderate range, a number of monitoring stations registered poorer conditions. Areas such as Alipur, Dwarka Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur recorded AQI levels above 200, placing them in the “poor” category. The most concerning reading came from Anand Vihar, where the AQI reached 404, pushing the locality into the “severe” category and highlighting localized pollution concerns.
Other Major Cities Record Better Air Conditions
Compared with Delhi, several large Indian cities experienced significantly cleaner air. Chennai reported an AQI of 97, while Ahmedabad registered 86. Bengaluru recorded an AQI of 50, reflecting relatively healthy conditions. Hyderabad and Mumbai also maintained satisfactory air quality levels with AQI readings of 68 and 63, respectively.
However, air quality conditions were not uniform across the country. Lucknow and Jaipur witnessed a deterioration in air quality, recording AQI levels of 102 and 128. These figures placed both cities within the moderate category, indicating increasing pollution levels compared to cities with cleaner air.
Understanding AQI Categories and Health Impact
The Air Quality Index serves as a standard measure used to assess pollution levels and their possible effects on public health. An AQI ranging from 0 to 50 is classified as “good,” suggesting little to no impact on health.
Readings between 51 and 100 fall under the “satisfactory” category. At this level, air quality is generally considered acceptable, although people who are particularly sensitive to pollution may experience mild discomfort.
The “moderate” category covers AQI values from 101 to 200. During such conditions, individuals with respiratory illnesses, asthma, heart-related ailments, or other health concerns may experience breathing difficulties and increased discomfort.
Health Risks Increase as Pollution Levels Rise
When AQI levels move into the range of 201 to 300, air quality is categorized as “poor.” Extended exposure during such conditions can affect a wider section of the population and may lead to noticeable breathing problems.
AQI readings between 301 and 400 are considered “very poor,” increasing the likelihood of respiratory issues even among healthy individuals. The highest category, “severe,” includes values between 401 and 500. Air quality at this stage can pose significant health risks to all residents, regardless of age or medical condition.
IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall Across Several Regions
Alongside air quality updates, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall activity in multiple parts of the country over the coming week. According to the weather agency, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, parts of Northeast India, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal during the next seven days.
The IMD has also indicated the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in select areas of Karnataka and Kerala on June 8 and June 9.
Rain Activity Likely Across Central and Northern India
The weather department further projected scattered rainfall across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through mid-June. Rainfall activity is also expected to affect North Interior Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka, and Rayalaseema during the coming days.
Central Indian regions, including Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha, are also likely to receive intermittent showers. In northern India, rainfall is expected across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan during various periods over the next week, potentially bringing some relief from rising temperatures.