Delhi air quality today: AQI hits 305, very poor conditions continue

New Delhi: The national capital witnessed a significant deterioration in air quality on Friday morning. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 305 at around 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Air quality worsened sharply compared to Thursday, when the AQI was 234 at 4 pm. This morning, a thick layer of smog continues to linger in parts of the city, keeping overall air quality poor.

Which areas are worst affected?

In ITO, a thick layer of smog was observed with reduced visibility, with an AQI of 330, categorised as 'very poor'. Thick smog also lingered in areas around Akshardham and AIIMS.

According to CPCB data, other areas of Delhi also recorded poor air quality: Anand Vihar (390), Bawana (379), Narela (356), and R.K. Puram (320) all remained in the 'very poor' category. Sirifort recorded an AQI of 317, showing similar conditions.

Are any parts of the city faring better?

Some parts of Delhi recorded comparatively better air quality, though it remained poor. NSIT Dwarka registered an AQI of 253, Sri Aurobindo Marg 258, Mandir Marg 234, and IGI Airport T3 239.

For reference, the CPCB categorises air quality as follows: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

What steps has the Delhi government taken against pollution?

Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of major decisions to strengthen the capital's fight against pollution and improve environmental governance.

The Cabinet sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies under the Delhi Government. Of the approximately 1,000 water bodies in the capital, 160 fall under government jurisdiction.

Sirsa stated, "The rejuvenation of Delhi's water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year."

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi's first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, covering 11.5 acres, which will comply with the best pollution norms and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model.

"This will be India's first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism," Sirsa said.

He emphasised that the plant will set a benchmark for sustainable e-waste management, ensuring no water or air pollution and contributing significantly to Delhi's clean industrial infrastructure.

How will vehicle emissions be controlled?

The Delhi Government has also decided to continue the 'No PUCC, No Fuel' campaign even after the GRAP restrictions are lifted, reinforcing vehicle emission compliance throughout the year.

Announcing the outcomes, Minister for Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these initiatives would bring "a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment."

(Agency inputs)