Delhi AQI today remains ‘very poor’; 14 areas record ‘severe’ pollution levels – Check area-wise list

Delhi AQI today: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the “very poor” category at 7 am on Sunday at 380. Out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, 14 have recorded “severe” pollution levels, with Wazirpur being the worst hit at an AQI of 448, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows. Mandir Marg reported the lowest pollution level among all stations – an AQI of 300 – which falls in the “poor” category.

According to CPCB, the areas that recorded “severe” air quality levels as of 7 am on Sunday are: Anand Vihar (427), Ashok Vihar (421), Bawana (431), Burari Crossing (401), Jahangirpuri (437), Mundka (413), Narela (415), Nehru Nagar (407), Patparganj (401), Punjabi Bagh (412), Rohini (438), Sonia Vihar (407), Vivek Vihar (445), and Wazirpur (448).

Delhi AQI today at 7 am

According to CPCB data recorded at 7 am, air quality levels varied widely across major Indian cities. Chennai (51) and Bengaluru (54) remained in the “satisfactory” category, while Hyderabad (85) also fell within the satisfactory range. Pune (153), Mumbai (171), Patna (160), and Lucknow (195) reported “moderate” air quality. Ahmedabad (208) and Jaipur (261) slipped into the “poor” category. Delhi, with an AQI of 380, continued to experience “very poor” air quality, making it the worst among the listed cities.

According to the CPCB’s air quality classification, an AQI score of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and 401-500 as severe.

CAQM rejigs GRAP measures

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rejigged the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures in view of the worsening air quality in Delhi. With the revised measures, some GRAP 4 measures will be taken under GRAP 3; GRAP 3 measures under GRAP 2 and GRAP 2 measures under GRAP 1. 

With the latest restructuring of the GRAP framework, several measures have been reassigned across stages. The work-from-home provision, earlier part of GRAP 4, has now been shifted to GRAP 3. Staggering the timings of public and municipal offices in Delhi-NCR, previously under GRAP 3, has been moved to GRAP 2. GRAP 2 measures, including ensuring uninterrupted power supply, issuing Do’s and Don’ts to reduce pollution, and improving traffic synchronisation, will now fall under GRAP 1.

At the moment, GRAP 3 is in force in Delhi, which bans non-essential construction and demolition work and restricts certain categories of vehicles, including those below the Bharat Stage (BS)-IV emission norms. Residents have also been advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. In addition to this, schools and other institutions have also been advised against sports or other outdoor physical activities by the Delhi government.