Delhi AQI Improves Slightly To 304; Pollution Remains ‘Very Poor’

Delhi witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Tuesday morning, but pollution levels remained in the ‘very poor’ category. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 304 around 8.10 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The reading marked a decline from Monday’s peak following Diwali celebrations. However, several monitoring stations continued to record high pollution levels.

Pusa and Chandni Chowk reported the highest AQI readings of 395 each, followed by NSUT Jaffarpur at 382 and Commonwealth Sports Complex at 380.

Talkatora Garden and Sirifort recorded AQIs of 370 and 365, respectively. Aya Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Lodhi Road, R.K. Puram and Bawana also reported high pollution.

Delhi-NCR may see no immediate relief as weather conditions continue to trap pollutants.

The IMD forecast no rainfall in Delhi between November 10 and 15. A Western Disturbance may affect the western Himalayas from Tuesday night but is unlikely to bring rain to Delhi.

Low wind speeds of 5-15 kmph may further limit pollutant dispersion and delay air quality improvement.

Meanwhile, Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in force following the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) decision. Authorities must strengthen pollution-control measures and ensure strict enforcement to prevent further deterioration.

The restrictions cover Delhi and adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Authorities implement the emergency measures based on forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to prevent air quality from reaching the ‘severe’ category.

GRAP follows a four-stage mechanism coordinated by the CAQM, CPCB and state governments, with stricter measures introduced as pollution levels rise.

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