New Delhi: Air pollution in the national capital remained a concern Tuesday morning, with overall air quality staying in the “poor” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, stood at 259 at 8 a.m., reflecting a marginal decline from Monday’s reading of 214 at the same time.
Several monitoring stations across the city continued to report elevated pollution levels. Areas in the “poor” bracket included Nehru Nagar (257), Dwarka (234), India Gate and Kartavya Path (235), ITO (236) and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265).
At the same time, a number of localities slipped into the more alarming “very poor” category. Rohini recorded an AQI of 340, Burari 345 and Ashok Vihar 337. Other areas with high readings included Jahangirpuri (331), Bawana (321), Vivek Vihar (321), Anand Vihar (319), Mundka (328) and Chandni Chowk (302).
Under the CPCB’s classification system, the AQI ranges from 0 to 500 and is divided into six categories that indicate the level of pollution and its likely health impact.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” posing little or no health risk. A reading of 51 to 100 is labeled “satisfactory,” though sensitive groups may experience minor breathing discomfort. The “moderate” category, from 101 to 200, can trigger respiratory issues among people with asthma or heart disease.
When the AQI ranges from 201 to 300, it is categorized as “poor,” meaning prolonged exposure may cause breathing discomfort for many people. Levels between 301 and 400 fall in the “very poor” bracket, increasing the risk of respiratory illness even for healthy individuals. An AQI above 400 is classified as “severe,” when air quality becomes hazardous for everyone.
