Air quality in the national capital declined further on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 294, placing Delhi in the ‘poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A visible layer of smog was reported in several parts of the city, prompting concern among residents, particularly those suffering from respiratory ailments.
Area-wise AQI Readings
As per CPCB data, multiple monitoring stations recorded elevated pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 320, Bawana 313, Chandni Chowk 325, and Dwarka Sector 8 stood at 273. The AQI at IGI Airport (T3) was 224.
Among the worst-affected areas were Wazirpur at 378, Rohini at 349, Narela at 332, and ITO at 355. Punjabi Bagh recorded 299, while RK Puram stood at 278. Areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path registered AQI levels of 355. The Akshardham Temple area recorded 325, categorised as ‘very poor’ under the AQI scale.
Under CPCB’s classification system, AQI levels between 0–50 are considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.
Political Row Over Monitoring Stations
The deteriorating air quality also triggered political reactions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the credibility of Delhi’s pollution data and criticised the BJP-led administration’s decision to install six new AQI monitoring stations in green and open areas of the city.
AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the move was aimed at presenting artificially lower pollution levels rather than implementing concrete measures to reduce emissions. He targeted the BJP government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, claiming the strategy would create a misleading perception of improvement.
In a post on X, Bharadwaj stated: “CM Rekha Gupta’s new manipulation has come to the fore. The government has now installed new AQI monitoring stations in green and open areas. Without reducing pollution, the BJP government will manipulate AQI data and show lower pollution levels. Even the CAQM remains silent despite this manipulation, as all the IAS officers there are appointed by the Central Government. In Delhi, a system made by IAS officers for IAS officers is running.”
There was no immediate response from the BJP government regarding the allegations at the time of reporting.
The debate unfolds as Delhi continues to grapple with seasonal spikes in pollution levels, with authorities and political parties exchanging charges over accountability and solutions.
