Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category with average AQI at 305; Wazirpur, Mundka soar above 400

IANS May 16, 2025 269 views

Delhi's air quality has dipped into the "very poor" category, with an average AQI of 305. Areas like Wazirpur and Mundka recorded alarming AQI levels exceeding 400, classifying them as "severe." The decline in air quality is attributed to recent dust-laden winds and adverse weather conditions. Residents are cautioned to minimize outdoor activities, with special precautions recommended for vulnerable groups.

"Visibility levels plummeted from 4,500 metres to just 1,200 metres." - Senior IMD Official
Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category with average AQI at 305; Wazirpur, Mundka soar above 400
New Delhi, May 16: Delhi’s air quality on Friday morning slipped into the “very poor” category with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 305 and Wazirpur and Mundka seeing levels soar to 422 and 419 respectively, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Key Points

1

Delhi AQI hits very poor with 305 on average

2

Wazirpur and Mundka exceed AQI 400, entering severe category

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Dust-laden winds worsen Delhi air quality, authorities advise caution

The decline follows a spell of dust-laden winds and worsening atmospheric conditions that have gripped the National Capital Region (NCR) pre-monsoon.

According to CPCB data, several NCR cities mirrored Delhi’s poor air quality. Gurugram registered an AQI of 294, Faridabad 288, Ghaziabad 283, Greater Noida 256, and Noida 289, all falling within the “poor” to “very poor” range.

Within Delhi itself, alarming levels of pollution were recorded in multiple localities. The worst-hit areas were Wazirpur and Mundka, where AQI levels soared to 422 and 419 respectively, entering the “severe” category. A total of 21 areas in the national Capital saw AQI readings between 300 and 400, marking widespread air quality distress.

Prominent locations like Anand Vihar (362), DTU (365), Dwarka Sector 8 (388), Jahangirpuri (353), Siri Fort (355), and Ashok Vihar (328) were among those recording critically high pollution levels.

Meanwhile, 12 other areas, including Bawana (289), Lodhi Road (277), IGIA (240), Najafgarh (271), RK Puram (265), and Burari Crossing (243), reported AQI figures in the “poor” category, ranging between 200 and 300.

The deterioration in air quality has been partly attributed to a sudden dust surge and gusty winds that swept across the city on Wednesday night.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a cloud mass moving over the region triggered strong winds at speeds of 30–40 km/h, particularly in the Palam area. These winds stirred up fine dust particles, reducing air quality and visibility across Delhi.

A senior IMD official noted that visibility levels plummeted from 4,500 metres to just 1,200 metres in less than two hours. As thick haze covered the city on Thursday morning, residents woke up to reduced visibility and a noticeable drop in air quality.

Authorities have advised people, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments, to avoid outdoor exposure and use protective gear when stepping out.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking to see year after year. We talk about development but can't even breathe properly in our capital. When will the authorities take concrete action instead of just issuing advisories? 😷
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Priya M.
As a Gurugram resident, I can confirm the situation is equally bad here. My child's school has stopped outdoor activities, but what's the long-term solution? We need better public transport and stricter enforcement on construction dust.
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Amit S.
The government's odd-even scheme was just eyewash. Real pollution comes from industries operating without proper filters and unchecked construction. Why aren't these being addressed properly? #DelhiAirEmergency
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Neha T.
I live near Wazirpur and my eyes burn every morning. The authorities keep blaming stubble burning in neighboring states, but what about local pollution sources? We need accountability at all levels.
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Sanjay V.
While the situation is bad, let's not forget this is pre-monsoon when dust storms are common. The AQI improves post-monsoon. But yes, we need year-round measures, not just seasonal reactions.
K
Kavita R.
My asthma has worsened so much that I'm considering moving cities. It's sad that we have to choose between career opportunities and basic health. Delhi deserves better air quality standards.
V
Vikram J.
The solution lies in urban planning - more green spaces, better waste management, and promoting electric vehicles. But all these need political will which seems to be missing. Jai Hind, but we need

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Tags:
Delhi air quality Wazirpur AQI Mundka pollution NCR pollution Air Quality Index