Delhi recorded a marginal improvement in air quality on Tuesday, with the citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) falling to 307 at 7 am. However, pollution levels remained in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The improvement came a day after several monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ pollution following Diwali celebrations.
Thick haze and reduced visibility were reported across parts of the national capital. The Delhi government has deployed water sprinklers to suppress dust and reduce particulate matter in the air.
Chandni Chowk recorded the highest AQI at 395, followed by Safdarjung at 371, Punjabi Bagh at 355, Aya Nagar at 354 and RK Puram at 328. All five locations remained in the ‘very poor’ category.
Other areas recorded comparatively lower readings, with Anand Vihar at 290, Ashok Vihar at 278, Narela at 272 and India Gate-Kartavya Path at 258. Neighbouring Ambala in Haryana recorded an AQI of 250.
Under CPCB classifications, AQI between 301 and 400 is ‘very poor’, while readings above 400 fall in the ‘severe’ category.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a morning temperature of 17°C and forecast moderate fog in Delhi over the next five days. The fog forecast concerns visibility, while AQI readings measure air pollution.
