Delhi Air Quality ‘Very Poor’, AQI to Exceed 400

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category and is expected to worsen in the coming days.
• The AQI could exceed 400 due to stubble burning in neighboring states and unfavorable wind conditions.
• Anti-pollution restrictions under GRAP’s second phase have been imposed in Delhi from today.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the second consecutive day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 317 by 8 AM on Tuesday. Several monitoring stations in the capital recorded AQI levels exceeding 320, while Anand Vihar’s pollution level was close to ‘severe’, hitting 378.

At Indira Gandhi Airport, the AQI was 319, while Alipur recorded 322, Dwarka 324, Bawana 350, and Dhyan Chand Stadium 328 — all falling within the ‘very poor’ range.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into effect in the city today. This phase bans the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries. Diesel generator sets are also prohibited, except for emergency services.

With stubble burning continuing in neighboring states and unfavorable meteorological conditions like slow wind speeds and high humidity trapping pollutants, the AQI is projected to exceed 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday and Wednesday. After 94 days of relief, the AQI surged to 310 on Monday, prompting stricter anti-pollution measures.

The AQI is classified as follows: 0-50 as ‘good,’ 51-100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 as ‘moderate,’ 201-300 as ‘poor,’ 301-400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 as ‘severe’.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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