delhi-air-quality-remains-very-poor-with-aqi-at-367

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India's national capital continued to linger in the 'Very Poor' category on Friday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 8 am, the overall AQI across Delhi stood at 367, signalling significant health risks for residents, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. 

This persistent pollution level underscores the ongoing battle against seasonal smog in the Delhi-NCR region, driven by factors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and adverse weather patterns.

The CPCB's real-time monitoring revealed stark variations across the city. The highest AQI was recorded in Anand Vihar at 370, followed by Akshardham at 369, Bawana at 367, Wazirpur at 328, and Jahangirpuri at 324. 

 

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Meanwhile, multiple neighbourhoods crossed the 200-mark, pushing their air quality into the 'Poor' category, with Chandni Chowk at 212, Dwarka Sector 8 at 305, Nehru Nagar at 269, IGI Airport (T3) at 221, Rohini at 245, Pusa at 224, and India Gate at 200. These figures highlight how densely populated and industrial zones like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur bear the brunt of pollution, while even iconic sites like India Gate are affected.

For context, the AQI is a standardised scale used by the CPCB to gauge air pollution levels and their impact on health: Good (0-50) indicates minimal health concerns; Satisfactory (51-100) is acceptable, but sensitive groups may experience minor effects; Moderately Polluted (101-200) is unhealthy for sensitive groups, with the general public advised to exercise caution; Poor (201-300) triggers health alerts for all and affects even healthy individuals with prolonged exposure; Very Poor (301-400) poses serious health risks, so vulnerable people should avoid outdoor activities; and Severe (401-500) is hazardous, urging the entire population to stay indoors. 

 

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The higher the AQI, the more unhealthy it is to breathe the air, with Friday's readings firmly in the 'Very Poor' zone, prompting widespread advisories for mask-wearing and reduced outdoor time.

In a timely intervention, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) earlier on Tuesday, October 14, following a dip in regional AQI to 211—categorised as 'Poor'. 

This decision was detailed in an official statement from the Commission, which factored in forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Both agencies predicted sustained 'poor' air quality in the coming days due to calm winds, low temperatures, and incoming pollution from neighbouring states.

Stage I of GRAP is automatically triggered when AQI ranges between 201 and 300. It mandates 27 strict preventive measures to be enforced immediately by all agencies across the NCR, including the deployment of anti-smog guns on high-rise buildings and flyovers to mist polluted air, intensive water sprinkling on roads to settle dust, enhanced dust suppression at construction sites, road repairs, and maintenance projects, strict bans on open garbage burning and coal-based industries in outlying areas, and increased mechanised road sweeping and coverage of construction material to prevent dust lift-off. These measures aim to curb fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), the primary pollutants choking Delhi's skies.

 

Also Read: Local sources cause 95% of Delhi's air pollution: CSE

The CAQM's Sub-Committee, in its meeting on October 14, conducted a comprehensive review of the air quality scenario, IMD/IITM forecasts, and on-ground observations. Their order stated: "The Sub-Committee, in its meeting held today, reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, IMD/IITM forecast and observed as under: The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 211 on 14.10.2025 ('Poor' Category). Furthermore, the forecast by IMD/IITM has also predicted AQI to remain in the 'Poor' category in the coming days." "The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect."

This activation ensures a coordinated crackdown, with daily monitoring to potentially escalate to higher GRAP stages if AQI worsens. Enforcement teams from the Delhi government, municipal bodies, and pollution control boards are on high alert, with penalties for non-compliance.

As Delhiites wake up to another hazy morning, these measures offer a glimmer of hope. However, experts emphasise that long-term solutions—like faster stubble-burning alternatives in Punjab and Haryana, stricter vehicle emission norms, and green urban planning—are essential to break the annual pollution cycle. Residents are urged to check live AQI updates on the CPCB app and follow health advisories for safer breathing.

 

Also Read: Delhi govt to test 'smog eating' roads to address air pollution