New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality improved to the ‘moderate’ category on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 183, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The national capital had registered a ‘poor’ AQI of 209 on Thursday and 294 on Wednesday morning, indicating a gradual improvement in Delhi air pollution levels over the past 48 hours.

Area-wise AQI readings across Delhi

Despite the overall improvement, several monitoring stations continued to report moderate to poor air quality.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 236, Bawana 215, Chandni Chowk 176, DTU 202, Dwarka Sector-8 194, IGI Airport (T3) 144, Jahangirpuri 252, Mandir Marg 145, Mundka 237, Narela 229, Okhla Phase-2 180, Patparganj 193, Pusa 209, R.K. Puram 199, Rohini 232, Shadipur 261, Sonia Vihar 211, Vivek Vihar 211 and Wazirpur 215.

As per CPCB classification, AQI readings between 0–50 are considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401–500 ‘severe’.

Weather update: Misty mornings, warmer days

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a temperature of 12°C around 7 am on Friday, with humidity at 95 per cent.

The IMD forecast a minimum temperature of around 11°C and a maximum of 27°C for the day. While light mist is expected in the morning, skies are likely to turn partly cloudy later.

The department said skies will remain mainly clear on February 14 and 15, partly cloudy on February 13 and 16, and generally cloudy on February 17 and 18. Temperatures are expected to remain largely stable, with warmer afternoons and lingering morning mist.

Political row over new AQI monitoring stations

Meanwhile, air quality data has sparked a political debate in the capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the BJP-led Delhi government’s decision to install six new AQI monitoring stations in green and open areas.

AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the move was aimed at artificially lowering pollution readings rather than addressing the root causes of air pollution.

In a post on X, Bharadwaj claimed that the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had shifted monitoring stations to less polluted zones to present improved air quality data “on paper”. He further alleged that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had remained silent on the issue, noting that its officers are appointed by the Central Government.

The Delhi government has not responded to the allegations.

With Delhi’s AQI currently in the moderate category, environmental experts say sustained improvement will depend on weather conditions, emission control measures and long-term pollution management strategies.

IANS