Air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR stayed at concerning levels on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 380 at 8:00 a.m., categorizing the region as ‘very poor’, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Most parts of Delhi faced ‘very poor’ air quality, with some areas slipping into the ‘poor’ category, offering little relief to residents dealing with prolonged pollution. Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Anand Vihar recorded AQIs of 395, 391, and 391 respectively.
Wazirpur at 388 and Bawana at 384 also showed high pollution levels in north and northwest Delhi. Other areas like Mundka, R K Puram, Punjabi Bagh, and Dwarka Sector-8 reported ‘very poor’ air quality with AQIs ranging from 377 to 381.
Central and east Delhi were also heavily polluted, with ITO and Vivek Vihar registering AQIs of 372. Chandni Chowk and Patparganj were not far behind, both recording an AQI of 370, indicating persistent pollution in densely populated regions.
According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, while 301 to 400 falls under ‘very poor’. The Commission for Air Quality Management recently lifted Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR due to a slight improvement in air quality, but restrictions under other stages continue.
The ban on the entry of BS-IV diesel trucks and older heavy goods vehicles into Delhi has been lifted, providing some relief, although pollution remains a significant concern. Despite the easing winter chill in the capital, pollution continues to pose serious health risks, with temperatures ranging from 7 to 24 degrees Celsius.
