Delhi pollution: Air quality remains in 'very poor' category; AQI stands at 373

NEW DELHI: Delhi's air quality remains in the "very poor" category as Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported at 7 am on Friday that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 373.
Data from the CPCB also shows AQI levels in different areas: Chandni Chowk recorded 359, IGI Airport (T3) 357, ITO 344, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 342, RK Puram 372, Okhla Phase 2 374, Patparganj 379, Sonia Vihar 400, and Aya Nagar 359.

Some locations in Delhi recorded AQI in the 'severe' category, with Anand Vihar at 410, Bawana at 411, Mundka at 402, and Wazirpur at 413.
In response, the Union personnel ministry advised employees to carpool or use public transport to reduce vehicular pollution. Offices have been given the option to operate from 9 am to 5.30 pm or from 10 am to 6.30 pm.

Although the stretch of "severe" air pollution days has ended, vigilance is necessary. Experts suggest that four such pollution episodes typically occur each winter between November and January. The air quality is expected to remain in the "very poor" category in the coming days. An expert caution if local and regional emissions stay high, poor weather conditions could result in another spike into the "severe" zone.
This November, Delhi has already seen seven "severe" pollution days. Last year's winter experienced four similar episodes.
Slight improvement in air quality in Delhi-NCR: Study
A recent study from Climate Trends highlights the current air quality situation in Delhi-NCR. The findings reveal a slight improvement, though pollution levels are still classified as 'very poor.'
The study identifies various pollution sources but highlights that meteorological conditions significantly impact air quality.
Track pollution levels in your city
Earlier in the season, favorable conditions such as strong wind speeds and easterly winds contributed to better air quality. However, these same conditions are now linked to high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.
This report sheds light on the complexities of managing air quality and suggests that while progress has been made, challenges remain.