Delhi AQI Eases To 307 Days After Diwali But Stays ‘Very Poor’; Chandni Chowk Among Worst Hit

Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday morning, despite a marginal improvement in pollution levels following Diwali celebrations. The national capital recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 307 at 7 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The improvement comes after pollution levels surged across the city following Diwali celebrations on Sunday. Falling temperatures and moderate fog have also contributed to the persistence of poor air quality, keeping particulate pollution at elevated levels.

Several monitoring stations had recorded AQI readings above 400 on Monday, pushing parts of the capital into the 'severe' category. Reduced visibility during the early morning hours added to the concerns. In response, the Delhi government has intensified measures to control pollution, including deploying water sprinklers at multiple locations to suppress dust and particulate matter.

Chandni Chowk emerged as the most polluted monitoring location in Delhi on Tuesday, recording an AQI of 395, close to the upper limit of the 'very poor' category. Other areas also reported elevated pollution levels. Punjabi Bagh registered an AQI of 355, while Aya Nagar recorded 354.

Safdarjung followed with 371, and RK Puram reported 328, all falling in the 'very poor' category. Some locations recorded relatively lower pollution levels, although their air quality remained in the 'poor' category. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 290, followed by Ashok Vihar at 278 and Narela at 272.

The India Gate and Kartavya Path areas both recorded an AQI of 258. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a morning temperature of 17 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, accompanied by moderate fog.

The CPCB uses a six-category scale to classify air quality based on AQI readings. The classification indicates the level of pollution and its potential impact on health. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good', while readings between 51 and 100 fall under 'satisfactory'.

The 101-200 range is categorised as 'moderate', and 201-300 as 'poor'. Readings between 301 and 400 indicate 'very poor' air quality, while anything between 401 and 500 is classified as 'severe'. Pollution levels also varied across other parts of the country.

Ambala in Haryana recorded an overall AQI of 250, placing it in the 'poor' category. Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported an overall AQI of 146, which falls under the 'moderate' category, according to CPCB data. AQI levels are categorized by CPCB: 'good' (0-50), 'satisfactory' (51-100), 'moderate' (101-200), 'poor' (201-300), 'very poor' (301-400), and 'severe' (401-500).

Bharathi SP is a journalist and Associate Producer at ABP Live English, chasing breaking news and digging up untold stories, mostly from South India. With over 7 years of experience in the news industry, she's worked across both print and digital platforms, wearing many hats: sub-editor, senior reporter, and, now, producer.

An alumna of ACJ and IGNOU, Bharathi focuses on politics, inclusive development and stories that connect the states with the nation. She has a soft spot for long-form narratives, sharp angles and all things political. For any tips and queries, you can reach out to her at bharathi@abpnetwork.com.