Delhi Wakes Up To ‘Poor’ Air Quality As AQI Improves From ‘Very Poor’

Delhi residents began Thursday morning with air quality in the ‘poor’ category, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast clear skies along with shallow fog.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 279 at 6:00 AM. This marked an improvement from Wednesday, when Delhi’s air quality had slipped into the ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 339.

Data from 39 monitoring stations showed that 18 locations remained in the ‘very poor’ range, while the rest reported ‘poor’ air quality.

Several parts of the city continued to witness elevated pollution levels.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 332, Bawana stood at 306, and Ashok Vihar registered 320. Other heavily polluted areas included Dwarka Sector 8 at 328, RK Puram at 314, Rohini at 322, and Patparganj at 307.

DTU also reported ‘poor’ air quality with an AQI of 264.

Mandir Marg recorded 214, Najafgarh 258, and CRRI Mathura Road 226, all remaining within the ‘poor’ category.

Among the better-performing locations, Lodhi Road, Narela, and Dilshad Garden recorded AQI levels in the ‘moderate’ category.

Narela stood out with an AQI of 195. Aya Nagar recorded 214, Chandni Chowk 218, and Sonia Vihar 299, reflecting comparatively improved conditions despite remaining in the ‘poor’ range.

Understanding AQI Categories

Under the AQI classification system, readings between 201 and 300 are considered ‘poor’, while 301 to 400 fall in the ‘very poor’ category.

The IMD said moderate fog will likely return from February 8, with no weather warnings issued.

Temperatures are likely to remain stable, with maximums between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius and minimums between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council announced that Kaka Nagar has become the first residential colony to adopt a fully mechanised, dust-free cleaning system.

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