New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘very poor’ category as a thick layer of smog covered the region during the morning hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 328 in the national capital at 7:30 a.m. Other cities in the Delhi-NCR region also reported high pollution levels, with Faridabad at 206, Gurugram at 195, Ghaziabad at 252, Greater Noida at 248, and Noida at 267.
The AQI had improved to the ‘poor’ category on Saturday due to some wind in the area; however, it slipped back to the ‘very poor’ level on Sunday and has continued to remain there on Monday morning.
Various areas in the national capital reported ‘very poor’ air quality, according to the National Air Quality Index. The most affected regions included Anand Vihar with an AQI of 357, Ashok Vihar at 361, Wazirpur at 362, Jahangirpuri at 366, and Najafgarh at 325.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) recorded an AQI of 316.
On Monday morning, air quality in Noida (Uttar Pradesh) was categorized as ‘poor,’ with several areas experiencing AQI levels between 250 and 299. In Gurugram (Haryana), some areas reported ‘poor’ air quality, while others fell into the ‘very poor’ category.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.
Air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR are expected to rise in the coming days due to stubble burning and firecrackers, which are significant contributors to the deterioration. The lack of favorable wind conditions is also exacerbating the situation.
The region has been facing air pollution challenges for several days, with a thick blanket of smog enveloping the area. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI reached hazardous levels on Sunday morning, hitting 400 in locations such as Anand Vihar, Mundka, and Bawana. By 4 p.m. on Sunday, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 355.
On October 22, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage 2 emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the city’s air pollution.
Under this phase of GRAP, additional efforts are being made to tackle dust pollution and reduce emissions from diesel generators. Authorities are deploying mechanical and vacuum road sweepers, conducting water sprinkling operations on major roads, and intensifying inspections at construction sites to enforce strict dust control measures.
