Only 21 Indian cities breathed better air on Oct 29: CPCB data

Air quality remains poor in Delhi

The number of cities with good air quality dipped to the least since the start of the month, with only 21 out of 255 cities reading an AQI of less than 50, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board on October 29.

On the other hand, 48 percent of the cities faced moderate air quality, with an air quality index (AQI) reading of 101-200, the highest since October 1.

Ramnathpuram and Shillong had the best air quality among all cities, with an AQI of 28 and 32. However, this was still higher than New York, which had an AQI of 23 on October 29.

London’s AQI at 52 was lower than 230 of Indian cities, whereas Singapore’s reading of 77 was lower than 187 Indian cities. Beijing, with an AQI of 162, was better than 55 Indian cities.

Among India’s major cities, Delhi had the worst AQI reading of 268, followed by Hyderabad at 122 and Bengaluru at 110. Bengaluru has been breathing the worst air since the start of the month, with four consecutive days of above 100 AQI.

Delhi’s AQI has remained in the poor category for 14 consecutive days, six of which have witnessed AQI levels above 300.

Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata had an AQI of less than 100 on October 28. Kolkata had the lowest AQI level of 78 among the metros.

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar also had AQI readings above 100. Gandhinagar, which hosts the GIFT city, had an AQI reading of 184, shows the CPCB data.