Delhi’s AQI Rises To 294 As Multiple Hotspots Slip Into ‘Poor’ Category

The air quality in Delhi declined sharply on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 294. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), this placed the city’s environment in the ‘poor’ category.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mainly clear skies across the Delhi-NCR region. It also predicted light mist in the early hours and temperatures close to seasonal averages.

Delhi’s air quality had already been in the ‘poor’ category on Tuesday, with an AQI of 267.

Multiple monitoring stations recorded high readings, including Anand Vihar at 342, Bawana at 312, Burari Crossing at 321, Chandni Chowk at 365, and DTU at 290. Other areas included Dwarka Sector-8 at 280, IIT Delhi 209, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 321, Mandir Marg 214, and Mundka 374.

Several additional locations, such as Narela (331), North Campus (320), Patparganj (313), Pusa (262), RK Puram (280), Rohini (345), Sonia Vihar (357), and Wazirpur (375), remained in the ‘poor’ category.

Noida also reported deteriorating conditions, with Sector-125 at 328, Sector-62 at 268, Sector-1 at 275, and Sector-116 at 284.

Experts attributed the worsening air quality to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and residual stubble-burning in nearby regions.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that pollution control requires continuous, year-round action.

On 10 February, she inaugurated six new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) stations to expand real-time tracking. She also flagged off 100 ‘Vayu Rakshak’ vehicles to ensure stricter enforcement.

These measures aim to strengthen monitoring, ensure compliance with emissions norms, and raise public awareness about pollution reduction.

With these additions, Delhi now has 46 CAAQMS stations, the largest network in any Indian city. Of these, 30 are managed by the DPCC, 10 by IMD/IITM, and six by the CPCB, with 14 more planned.

A total of 600 Vayu Rakshaks, working with Delhi Police, continue monitoring traffic and industrial emissions to enforce pollution control effectively.

The IMD forecast maximum temperatures of 24–26°C and minimums of 10–12°C, with similar conditions expected on February 12 and 13.

Skies are likely to remain mainly clear with light morning mist, while north-west winds will strengthen during afternoons and ease in the evenings, providing minor dispersal of pollutants.

Authorities advised residents to monitor air quality updates and limit outdoor activities as necessary.

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