Delhi’s battle with air pollution appears to be reigniting as the winter season looms. The latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows the city’s 24-hour average AQI rising to 189 by Monday afternoon, a notable jump from Sunday’s 167. This reading places the air quality in the ‘moderate’ zone, a precursor to potentially more hazardous conditions.
The impact is felt across the National Capital Region (NCR). Gurugram registered a ‘moderate’ AQI of 191, while Greater Noida and Faridabad were also in the ‘moderate’ bracket with readings of 180 and 117, respectively. Ghaziabad, however, experienced ‘poor’ air quality, with its AQI reaching 204.
Understanding the AQI scale is crucial: 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’, 301-400 is ‘very poor’, and 401-500 is ‘severe’.
Detailed local AQI data highlighted specific hotspots. Anand Vihar recorded a high of 374 (‘poor’), ITO stood at 196 (‘moderate’), Okhla Phase 2 at 183 (‘moderate’), and R K Puram at 201 (‘poor’). The overall AQI for Delhi was close to the ‘moderate’ threshold at 199.
Looking ahead, the IMD anticipates clear skies over Delhi on Tuesday, offering a temporary respite from the deteriorating air quality.