Delhi air shows mild improvement; Delhi AQI at 399, one point below ‘severe’

Delhi AQI

Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Friday as the city continued to battle unhealthy levels of air pollution. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 399, which, despite being extremely high, marked a slight improvement after three days of ‘severe’ air quality. With this, the capital’s AQI fell back into the ‘very poor’ category.

Real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed major variations across the city. Out of 38 monitoring stations, the Delhi Technological University (DTU) station reported the best air quality with an AQI of 270 at 7 am. The IHBAS station in Dilshad Garden also recorded “poor” air quality at 297.

However, pollution levels remained dangerously high in most parts of the city. For the fourth straight day, several locations continued to fall under the ‘severe’ category.

Wazirpur and Chandni Chowk recorded some of the worst readings with AQIs of 447 and 445, respectively.

In total, 25 stations reported severe pollution levels, while 11 stations showed air quality in the very poor category. Meteorologists said that slow wind speeds and stable atmospheric conditions have trapped pollutants near the surface, making it harder for the smog to clear.

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) indicated that stubble burning continued to contribute to Delhi’s poor air. While its share in PM2.5 levels dropped to around 12% on Thursday, it had reached 22.4% on November 12, the highest contribution seen this season.

Earlier in the week, Delhi saw its AQI climb to a season-high 428 on Tuesday, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan. These measures include strict curbs on construction, industrial activity, and vehicular emissions.

Delhi ranked among India’s most polluted cities on Thursday, behind Bahadurgarh (AQI 466) and Rohtak (430). A combination of slow winds and dropping temperatures since Tuesday has caused a temperature inversion, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

November has historically been a difficult month for Delhi. Last year, the city saw eight severe air days, with AQI touching 494 on November 18. The city recorded nine such days in 2023, three in 2022, 11 in 2021, and nine in 2020.