Air quality in the national capital worsened marginally on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 206, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The deterioration marks a slight decline from Sunday, when Delhi’s AQI stood at 196, categorised as ‘moderate’. On Saturday morning, the city had recorded an AQI of 213 at 8 am, CPCB data showed.
Alongside worsening air quality, Delhi also witnessed cold and misty conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius around 7 am, with humidity levels at 97 per cent. Winds remained calm at 0 km/h, contributing to the accumulation of pollutants.
Several areas across the city recorded AQI levels firmly in the ‘poor’ range. Mundka registered an AQI of 276, while Shadipur reported 282. Other locations with high pollution levels included Nehru Nagar (269), Bawana (256), Rohini (255), Jahangirpuri (252), Wazirpur (251), Ashok Vihar (243), Narela (229), Vivek Vihar (228), Pusa (227), Sirifort (224) and Chandni Chowk (192), according to CPCB.
In contrast, some parts of the city experienced comparatively better air quality. Sri Aurobindo Marg recorded an AQI of 129, while Lodhi Road stood at 139. Major Dhyan Chand Stadium reported an AQI of 144, Mandir Marg 148, IIT Delhi 149, Aya Nagar 165 and IGI Airport 177.
A day earlier, Mundka had recorded an AQI of 266, followed by Pusa at 257. Narela and Rohini both stood at 247, Ashok Vihar at 243, Jahangirpuri at 242, Wazirpur at 239, Nehru Nagar at 237, Shadipur at 236, and Bawana and Vivek Vihar at 231 each. Sirifort had recorded an AQI of 222, while Chandni Chowk stood at 220. Sri Aurobindo Marg remained among the cleaner areas, with an AQI of 126.
Other locations had reported AQI levels of 131 at IGI Airport, 136 at Aya Nagar, 139 at Lodhi Road, 140 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, 141 at IIT Delhi, and 145 at Mandir Marg.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as meteorological conditions remain unfavourable for pollutant dispersion.
