Delhi Air Quality Dips to ‘Very Poor’ Category with AQI at 312: Check Area-Wise Pollution Levels
As winter nears, Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen, pushing the national capital into another spell of hazardous pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 312 on Friday morning, placing the city firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi’s Air Quality Hits ‘Very Poor’ Mark Again
The latest CPCB data shows a significant decline in Delhi’s air quality within 24 hours. The city’s average AQI rose to 312 at 8 am on Friday, nearly 25 points higher than Thursday’s 287, signalling an alarming dip in air quality. With winter setting in, stagnant wind patterns and increased emissions from vehicles and industrial sources are contributing to this decline.
Station-Wise AQI Levels Across Delhi
Delhi’s air quality varied across monitoring stations, with several regions recording AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ range.
Understanding AQI Categories
To help citizens interpret these numbers, the CPCB classifies air quality into six categories:
An AQI above 300, as seen in most of Delhi today, indicates high levels of PM2.5 and PM10, which can cause respiratory distress, eye irritation, and fatigue.
What’s Causing Delhi’s Air Quality Decline?
Experts attribute the spike in pollution to seasonal weather changes, vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and reduced wind speed. These factors combine to trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the smog that now blankets the city.
Health Advisory for Residents
With pollution levels soaring, citizens are advised to:
Delhi’s worsening air quality is once again raising public health concerns as the city enters its pollution-heavy winter phase. Authorities and residents alike need to take preventive measures to reduce exposure and contribute to cleaner air. Until long-term solutions take effect, vigilance and precaution remain the best defence against Delhi’s toxic air.
Delhi’s Air Quality Hits ‘Very Poor’ Mark Again
The latest CPCB data shows a significant decline in Delhi’s air quality within 24 hours. The city’s average AQI rose to 312 at 8 am on Friday, nearly 25 points higher than Thursday’s 287, signalling an alarming dip in air quality. With winter setting in, stagnant wind patterns and increased emissions from vehicles and industrial sources are contributing to this decline.
Station-Wise AQI Levels Across Delhi
Delhi’s air quality varied across monitoring stations, with several regions recording AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ range.
- Punjabi Bagh recorded one of the highest AQIs at 343, indicating hazardous conditions.
- Anand Vihar, another pollution hotspot, stood at 332, with PM2.5 as the main pollutant.
- ITO reported an AQI of 337, while Dwarka Sector 8 touched 310, both classified as ‘very poor’.
- Jahangirpuri registered 342, Narela and Mundka both logged 335, and Nehru Nagar stood at 338.
- Relatively better air was observed near IGI Airport at 259 (‘poor’ category) and Najafgarh at 265.
- Areas like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (296), Lodhi Road (289), Mandir Marg (309), and Major Dhyan Chand Stadium (297) remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ zone.
Understanding AQI Categories
To help citizens interpret these numbers, the CPCB classifies air quality into six categories:
- 0–50 (Good): Minimal impact on health
- 51–100 (Satisfactory): Minor discomfort to sensitive groups
- 101–200 (Moderate): May affect people with heart or lung issues
- 201–300 (Poor): Causes discomfort during prolonged exposure
- 301–400 (Very Poor): Triggers respiratory problems in most individuals
- 401–500 (Severe): Serious health risks even for healthy people
An AQI above 300, as seen in most of Delhi today, indicates high levels of PM2.5 and PM10, which can cause respiratory distress, eye irritation, and fatigue.
What’s Causing Delhi’s Air Quality Decline?
Experts attribute the spike in pollution to seasonal weather changes, vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and reduced wind speed. These factors combine to trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the smog that now blankets the city.
Health Advisory for Residents
With pollution levels soaring, citizens are advised to:
- Limit outdoor activities, especially early morning and late evening.
- Use N95 masks when stepping out.
- Keep air purifiers on indoors.
- Stay hydrated and include antioxidant-rich foods in the diet.
- People with respiratory conditions should follow prescribed medications strictly.
Delhi’s worsening air quality is once again raising public health concerns as the city enters its pollution-heavy winter phase. Authorities and residents alike need to take preventive measures to reduce exposure and contribute to cleaner air. Until long-term solutions take effect, vigilance and precaution remain the best defence against Delhi’s toxic air.
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