A familiar concern is resurfacing for Delhi residents as the Air Quality Index (AQI) shows a marked decline with the approach of winter. Data from Monday indicates the 24-hour average AQI standing at 189, a rise from Sunday’s 167. This reading places the city’s air quality in the ‘moderate’ category, prompting renewed attention to pollution levels.
The air quality situation is also a concern in satellite cities. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 191, Greater Noida at 180, and Faridabad at 117, all classified as ‘moderate’. Ghaziabad experienced slightly worse conditions, with its AQI reaching 204, categorized as ‘poor’.
The CPCB’s AQI scale provides context: ‘good’ (0-50), ‘satisfactory’ (51-100), ‘moderate’ (101-200), ‘poor’ (201-300), ‘very poor’ (301-400), and ‘severe’ (401-500).
Within Delhi, specific areas showed significant variations. Anand Vihar’s AQI was a concerning 374 (‘poor’), ITO was at 196 (‘moderate’), Okhla Phase 2 at 183 (‘moderate’), and R K Puram at 201 (‘poor’). The overall AQI reported for Delhi was 199.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The India Meteorological Department has predicted clear skies for the capital on Tuesday.