Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens Again: AQI Rises from ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’

Despite continuous efforts by the government and authorities to curb pollution, Delhi’s air quality has again deteriorated sharply. After showing slight improvement over the past two days, the city’s air has slipped from the ‘Poor’ category back into the ‘Very Poor’ bracket.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 331 at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, signaling a rise in pollution levels across the national capital.

Hotspots Record Alarming AQI Levels
Several monitoring stations recorded dangerously high concentrations of particulate matter. Bawana reported an AQI of 387, Anand Vihar 381, Wazirpur 362, Burari 361, and RK Puram 356—all falling in the ‘Very Poor’ category. IGI Airport remained comparatively better, yet its AQI of 269 still placed it in the ‘Poor’ category.

Fog and Smog Worsen Situation
As per CPCB standards, AQI readings are categorized as: 0–50 ‘Good’, 51–100 ‘Satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘Moderate’, 201–300 ‘Poor’, 301–400 ‘Very Poor’, and 401–500 ‘Severe’. On Tuesday morning, dense fog and smog blanketed key areas, including India Gate–Kartavya Path, where AQI hovered around 370, firmly in the ‘Very Poor’ zone.

Residents Concerned About Health Risks
Conditions on MB Road in Tughlakabad were equally concerning, with AQI recorded at 302. Local residents expressed frustration over worsening air quality. One resident said, “The pollution has become very dangerous for both children and the elderly. Earlier, we could step out at 5 a.m., but now we wait until 7 a.m. Our eyes burn constantly, and we keep coughing. The government must take stricter measures; sprinkling water alone is not enough.”

Brief Improvement Earlier This Week
The city had shown slight relief at the beginning of the week, with AQI readings of 279 on Sunday and 298 on Monday. However, with winter temperatures dropping—IMD forecasts a maximum of 26°C and minimum of 7°C on Tuesday—the trend indicates further deterioration in air quality.