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Delhi Air Quality Improves to 'Moderate' but Smog Persists in Key Areas

Delhi's air quality showed marginal improvement, moving from the 'poor' to the 'moderate' category with an average AQI of 196. However, numerous pollution hotspots, including Mundka and Pusa, continued to record 'poor' AQI levels above 200. In contrast, areas like Sri Aurobindo Marg and Lodhi Road reported relatively cleaner air in the 'moderate' range. The India Meteorological Department has forecast misty conditions, which may further impact visibility and air quality across the city.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Improves to Moderate, Smog Lingers in Hotspots

  • AQI improves to 196 (moderate)
  • Mundka worst at 266 (poor)
  • Sri Aurobindo Marg best at 126
  • Mist forecast may affect visibility
2 min read

Delhi's air quality improves slightly to 'moderate' category, smog persists in several areas

Delhi's air quality improved to 'moderate' with an AQI of 196, but several areas like Mundka and Pusa remain in the 'poor' category as smog persists.

"Despite a slight dip in pollution levels, a thin layer of smog continued to linger in many areas - CPCB data report"

New Delhi, Feb 8

The air quality in the national capital showed a marginal improvement on Sunday morning, though pollution levels remained a concern across several parts of the city.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 196 at 7 a.m., placing it in the 'moderate' category.

This marked an improvement compared to Saturday, when the AQI was recorded at 227 at 4 p.m., falling in the 'poor' category. Despite a slight dip in pollution levels, a thin layer of smog continued to linger in many areas, indicating that overall air quality conditions are still far from ideal.

Several pollution hotspots in the national capital continued to record 'poor' AQI levels. Mundka registered the highest AQI at 266, followed by Pusa (257), Narela (247), Rohini (247), Ashok Vihar (243), Jahangirpuri (242) and Wazirpur (239). Other areas, such as Nehru Nagar (237), Shadipur (236), Bawana (231), Vivek Vihar (231), Sirifort (222), and Chandni Chowk (220), also remained in the poor category.

On the other hand, some parts of Delhi recorded relatively cleaner air. Sri Aurobindo Marg reported the lowest AQI at 126, followed by IGI Airport (131), Aya Nagar (136), Lodhi Road (139), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (140), IIT Delhi (141) and Mandir Marg (145), all of which fell under the 'moderate' category.

Sunday's readings remained largely consistent with those recorded a day earlier. On Saturday, Anand Vihar had reported an AQI of 260, while RK Puram stood at 237, both in the poor category. ITO experienced a busy morning with an AQI of 223, while Chandni Chowk recorded 232. Other locations such as Aya Nagar (151), IGI Airport Terminal 3 (138) and Pusa (157) were in the moderate range.

As per official classification, an AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for the day. The weather agency has also predicted mist conditions, which may continue to affect visibility and air quality in parts of the city.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The disparity is shocking. Sri Aurobindo Marg at 126 and Mundka at 266. It shows how localized the problem is. The solutions need to be hyper-local too, not just city-wide odd-even or bans.
P
Priya S
Living near Chandni Chowk, the smog is a part of daily life now. We run air purifiers 24/7. This slight dip means nothing. The government needs a long-term plan beyond just blaming stubble burning.
V
Vikram M
At least it's moving in the right direction. The winter months are always worse. We need to appreciate the small wins while pushing for bigger changes. Public transport overhaul is the key.
R
Rohit P
The data is clear—areas with more green cover like Lodhi Road are better off. We need a massive urban afforestation drive. More metro lines are good, but we need more trees to actually breathe.
M
Michael C
As someone who travels frequently, landing at IGI and then driving into the city is like entering a different atmosphere. The airport area is manageable, but just a few km in, it's a different story. The wind patterns must be studied more.
A
Ananya R
My parents in Vivek Vihar have started wearing

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