Air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate, with several areas reaching “severe” levels on Friday morning, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported at 7 am. The highest AQI in the city reached 441, while the average AQI was recorded at 383. For comparison, the AQI was 366 on Thursday morning and rose to 377 at 4 pm. At the same time on Wednesday there were 352.
As the winter season approaches, pollution problems are increasing in Delhi and are likely to worsen in the coming days. Sixteen weather stations recorded AQI levels above 400 on Thursday, while seven more areas reached the “severe” level in the afternoon. These include Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Mundka, Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, Okhla Phase 2, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, Sonia Vihar and Patparganj.
This increase in pollution coincides with the Chhath Puja festival, which forces devotees to remain outdoors for longer periods, exposing them to poor air quality.
AQI by area in Delhi
Alipore: 397
Anand Vihar: 415
Ashok Vihar: 418
Bawana: 440
Chandni Chowk: 290
DTU: 411
Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range: 400
Dwarka-Sector 8: 391
ITO: 349
Jahangirpuri: 437
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 367
Lodhi Highway: 192
Mayor Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 399
Mundka: 428
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, many areas of Delhi are covered in a thick layer of smog, and fog and haze are expected to persist through the night as well. Light fog is expected in the city on Friday, although the weather is expected to remain relatively warm.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) classification is as follows:
0-50 – “good”
51-100 – “Satisfactory”
101-200 – “Medium”
201-300 – “bad”
301-400 – “Very bad”
401-500 – “Serious”
Given current conditions, the AQI of Delhi and Noida is likely to fall into the “very poor” or “severe” category in many areas, posing a significant health risk.
