NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality has plunged back into the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday after two days in the ‘poor’ range, raising health concerns across the city.As of 6 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 331, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), signalling a rise in pollution levels. Several monitoring stations recorded even higher figures: Bawana at 387, Anand Vihar 381, Wazirpur 362, Burari 361, and RK Puram 356, all within the ‘very poor’ bracket.
IGI Airport recorded relatively lower pollution, but its AQI of 269 still remained in the ‘poor’ category.CPCB classifies AQI as follows: 0–50 good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe.A dense layer of fog and smog was visible across major areas on Tuesday morning. At India Gate–Kartavya Path, the AQI reached 370, firmly in the ‘very poor’ zone. Conditions were similar at MB Road, Tughlakabad, with an AQI of 302, prompting concern among residents and authorities.Residents voiced frustration over the worsening air. One said, “The pollution has become extremely dangerous for both children and the elderly. Earlier, we used to come out at 5 am, but now we have to wait until 7 am. Our eyes burn, and we are constantly coughing. The government should take stronger action… Water sprinkling is insufficient, and vehicles are still running. More frequent sprinkling is urgently needed.”The city had briefly seen some improvement earlier in the week, with AQIs of 279 on Sunday and 298 on Monday.Meanwhile, winter continues to set in, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a maximum of 26°C and a minimum of 7°C for Tuesday, indicating a further drop in temperatures alongside rising pollution levels.
