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Delhi's Air Quality Worsens to 'Poor', AQI Hits 259 Amid Pollution Spike

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 259, showing a marginal deterioration from the previous day. Several monitoring stations across the city reported concerning levels, with multiple locations like Rohini and Burari slipping into the 'very poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 201-300 is classified as 'Poor' and can cause breathing discomfort to most people upon prolonged exposure. The 'Very Poor' category (301-400) poses respiratory illness risks even to healthy individuals with continued exposure.

Key Points: Delhi AQI at 259, Air Quality 'Poor' | CPCB Data

  • Delhi AQI at 259 in 'poor' category
  • Multiple areas slip into 'very poor' levels
  • CPCB outlines six AQI health risk categories
  • 'Poor' air affects all, not just sensitive groups
2 min read

Delhi's air quality remains 'poor', AQI at 259

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'poor' with AQI 259. Several areas slip into 'very poor' category. CPCB warns of health risks from prolonged exposure.

"Prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people - CPCB AQI Guidelines"

New Delhi, February 17

The air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'poor' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 259 around 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

The latest reading showed a marginal deterioration compared with the previous day, when the AQI was 214 at the same time.

Several monitoring stations across Delhi reported concerning pollution levels. Areas that remained in the 'Poor' category included Nehru Nagar (257), Dwarka (234), India Gate and Kartavya Path (235), ITO Delhi (236), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265).

Further, multiple locations slipped into the 'Very Poor' category, indicating a sharper spike in pollution levels. Mundka recorded an AQI of 328, Anand Vihar 319, Bawana 321, Rohini 340, Jahangirpuri 331, Ashok Vihar 337, Burari 345, Vivek Vihar 321, and Chandni Chowk 302.

According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort.

The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, indicates rising pollution levels that can trigger respiratory difficulties for people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues.

Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini, the AQI of 340 mentioned here feels very real. The air has a constant haze. We've invested in air purifiers, but what about those who can't afford them? The government's GRAP measures feel like a temporary fix, not a solution.
D
David E
As someone who moved here for work, the pollution is the hardest thing to adjust to. The data is alarming, but seeing is believing. You can literally taste the air some days. Strong public transport incentives and moving to electric vehicles seem like the only way forward.
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Ananya R
While the focus is always on Delhi, we must acknowledge the contribution of neighbouring states. A collaborative regional approach is missing. Also, planting more native trees that actually survive in our climate would help more than symbolic drives.
M
Manish T
The CPCB data is useful, but what about real-time action? By the time the reading is 'Very Poor', the damage is done for the day. We need better forecasting and pre-emptive steps. My asthma has been terrible this week.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think citizens also need to take more responsibility. Carpooling, using metros, avoiding fireworks during festivals – small individual actions, when multiplied by millions, can make a significant difference. It's easy to just blame the authorities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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