No major relief for Delhi: Air quality slips to ‘poor’ despite slight improvement in winds

New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a hazy morning on Sunday as the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 270 at 6 am, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The reading reflects a slight improvement from the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ conditions seen in recent days, though the air remains unsafe for prolonged outdoor exposure. Officials said better surface winds on Saturday evening helped disperse pollutants, but many neighbourhoods continued to record dangerously high pollution levels.

Shadipur reported the worst air quality with an AQI of 336, followed by RK Puram at 308, both in the ‘very poor’ category. Residents in these areas face a high likelihood of respiratory discomfort even without exertion.

Other hotspots that remained in the ‘poor’ band included Burari (283), Bawana (295), Sirifort (295), Wazirpur (282), Chandni Chowk (281), Anand Vihar (281), Narela (279), Punjabi Bagh (266) and JLN Stadium (269). Mandir Marg was the only location in the ‘moderate’ category with a reading of 157.

Neighbouring NCR cities also continued to struggle with pollution. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 233 and Noida 267, both categorised as ‘poor’. Faridabad, at 178, fell in the ‘moderate’ category, while Ghaziabad reported 262 (‘poor’).

Under India’s AQI scale, levels between 201 and 300 are considered ‘poor’ and can trigger breathing discomfort, especially during extended outdoor activities.

Residents reported persistent haze, eye irritation and breathlessness despite the marginal dip in pollution compared with last week. With winter now underway and pollution expected to fluctuate, health experts are advising people to limit outdoor exposure, particularly during early mornings and late evenings, when pollutant concentrations tend to rise.

IANS