Delhi’s air quality deteriorates again, slips back into ‘very poor’ category

Pic/PTI

After offering only a brief respite, Delhi's air quality deteriorated once again on Tuesday, slipping back into the ‘very poor' category following two days in the ‘poor' range, reported news agency IANS.

As of 6 am, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 331, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), signalling a renewed rise in pollution levels across the national capital.

Several monitoring stations recorded even higher concentrations of particulate matter. Bawana reported an AQI of 387, Anand Vihar 381, Wazirpur 362, Burari 361, and RK Puram 356, all firmly within the ‘very poor' bracket, reported IANS.

IGI Airport remained one of the few locations with relatively lower pollution, though its AQI of 269 still fell in the ‘poor' category.

A noticeable layer of fog and smog blanketed prominent areas on Tuesday morning. At India Gate-Kartavya Path, the AQI hovered around 370, placing it in the ‘very poor' zone.

Conditions were similarly concerning at MB Road in Tughlakabad, where the AQI was recorded at 302, raising alarms among residents and authorities.

Delhi had seen a marginal but brief improvement earlier in the week. On Sunday and Monday, the city recorded AQIs of 279 and 298, respectively.

Meanwhile, winter conditions continue to set in. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a maximum temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius and a minimum of about 7 degrees Celsius for Tuesday, indicating a steady decline in temperatures alongside worsening air quality.

According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort.

The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, signals increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart diseases.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues.

This level has become increasingly common in several parts of the capital during winter.

Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone.

(With inputs from IANS)