The air quality in Delhi has shown a slight improvement as of Saturday, November 9, but many areas in the national capital continue to experience ‘Severe’ air quality, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) still in the ‘Very Poor’ range. This is according to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 7 am on Saturday.
Delhi’s Air Quality: A Minor Improvement
On Saturday morning, Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 361, an improvement from the previous day’s 4 pm reading of 380. Despite the slight improvement, the air quality remains far from ideal, staying in the ‘Very Poor’ category, which ranges from 301 to 400 on the AQI scale.
The improvement in air quality can be attributed to a drop in the AQI in some areas compared to Friday, when the air quality in areas like Bawana reached hazardous levels, crossing 440. However, several areas in Delhi still reported AQI levels well above 400, indicating severe pollution levels.
Area-Wise AQI in Delhi
The AQI in different parts of Delhi shows varying levels of pollution, with some areas facing ‘Severe’ conditions:
- Alipur: 387
- Anand Vihar: 393
- Ashok Vihar: 384
- Bawana: 409 (severe)
- Burari Crossing: 356
- Chandni Chowk: 257
- DTU: 353
- Dwarka-Sector 8: 362
- IGI Airport (T3): 344
- Dilshad Garden: 220
- ITO: 359
- Jahangirpuri: 390
- Lodhi Road: 288
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 391
- Mundka: 377
- Dwarka: 364
- Najafgarh: 359
- Narela: 391
- Nehru Nagar: 391
- New Moti Bagh: 411 (severe)
- North Campus, DU: 351
- Patparganj: 389
- Punjabi Bagh: 396
- R K Puram: 376
- Rohini: 402 (severe)
- Shadipur: 372
- Sonia Vihar: 392
- Sri Aurobindo Marg: 224
- Vivek Vihar: 399
- Wazirpur: 399
While some areas recorded slightly lower AQI values, many locations are still grappling with poor air quality. Notably, areas like Bawana, Rohini, and New Moti Bagh continue to experience ‘Severe’ pollution, with AQI levels exceeding 400, which is categorized as “Severe.”
AQI in Delhi’s Neighboring Areas
Delhi’s neighboring cities, Noida and Gurugram, also recorded concerning AQI levels, with certain areas still marked as having ‘Very Poor’ air quality.
Noida:
- Sector 125: 199 (Poor)
- Sector 62: 306 (Very Poor)
- Sector-1: 235 (Poor)
- Sector-116: 306 (Very Poor)
Gurugram:
- Sector-51: 330 (Very Poor)
- Teri Gram: 232 (Poor)
- Vikas Sadan: 221 (Poor)
These readings from Noida and Gurugram reflect the regional nature of the pollution, which does not just impact Delhi but extends into its neighboring areas, affecting the health and well-being of millions.
What Does AQI Mean?
The AQI scale measures the concentration of airborne pollutants and categorizes air quality into different bands:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderately Polluted
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-450: Severe
- 450 and above: Severe Plus
According to the CPCB, an AQI reading in the range of 301-400 indicates “Very Poor” air quality, which poses a significant health risk to the general population, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions or other pre-existing health issues. An AQI between 401-450 is considered “Severe,” which can cause respiratory illnesses and other health problems even among healthy individuals.
Health Advisory and Precautions
With Delhi’s AQI hovering in the ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ categories, authorities continue to advise residents to take precautions. People are urged to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor physical activities, especially in the early morning and evening when pollution levels are at their highest.
For those who need to go outside, wearing a mask, particularly an N95 or similar, can help reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter. It’s also advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent indoor air from becoming contaminated.
Individuals with respiratory issues, heart disease, and the elderly are strongly urged to avoid outdoor activities altogether. Schools and offices may also consider reducing outdoor activities or implementing work-from-home policies during days with extreme pollution levels.
While the air quality in Delhi has shown a slight improvement over the last 24 hours, the situation remains dire in many areas. The city’s overall AQI is still in the ‘Very Poor’ category, with several parts of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram experiencing ‘Severe’ pollution levels. Given the health risks associated with such poor air quality, residents are advised to take the necessary precautions to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.
As Delhi continues to battle air pollution, authorities and citizens alike need to remain vigilant and work towards reducing emissions and improving air quality for the health of the population.