Delhi AQI improves slightly, but still ‘very poor’ at 373; Ghaziabad records NCR’s most toxic air

Delhi’s overall AQI on Thursday stood at 391, just below the ‘severe’ mark. (Photo: ANI)

Delhi’s air quality showed a slight improvement on Friday morning but continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Data from the CPCB’s Sameer app showed that 13 of the 39 air monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI levels in the ‘severe’ category. Wazirpur was the worst-affected location, logging an AQI of 442.

Only three stations, IHBAS Dilshad Garden (255), Lodhi Road (286) and Mandir Marg (278), reported ‘poor’ air quality, offering slight relief compared to the rest of the city. HoweerMost areas, however, remained firmly in the ‘very poor’ category.

Several major pollution hotspots continued to see extremely high readings. Anand Vihar (412), Bawana (430), Burari Crossing (404), Jahangirpuri (433), Mundka (435), Narela (408), RK Puram (406) and Rohini (421) registered AQI numbers in the ‘severe’ range.

Delhi’s overall AQI on Thursday stood at 391, just below the ‘severe’ mark. Earlier this week, it was 392 on Wednesday and 374 on Tuesday.

According to the Decision Support System of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, vehicular emissions were the biggest contributor to Delhi’s pollution on Thursday, accounting for 17.3% of the pollutants. Stubble burning contributed 2.8%. For Friday, these figures are projected to be 16.2% and 1.8% respectively, indicating a marginal dip in contributions from both sources.

Ghaziabad worst hit

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad recorded the poorest air quality with an AQI of 431, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Faridabad, with an AQI of 242, was the least polluted city in the region. Gurugram was at 294, indicating ‘poor’ air quality as well.

Noida nearly slipped into the ‘severe’ category with an AQI of 400, while Greater Noida logged 377, categorised as ‘very poor’.

Meanwhile, winter conditions tightened their grip over the capital. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C, slightly below normal, while the maximum touched 28.2°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate fog on Friday, with temperatures expected to hover around 27°C (maximum) and 12°C (minimum).