Delhi AQI: Air Quality Plunges Into ‘Very Poor’ Category As AQI Hits 311, CPCB Forecasts ‘No Improvement’ In Coming Days

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: After a brief respite, Delhi and the NCR region are once again enveloped in thick smog, with pollution levels in the national capital sliding back into the ‘very poor’ category.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Thursday morning stood at 278, with pollution levels worsening as it breached the ‘very poor’ category later in the day, reaching 311. The national capital on Wednesday recorded an AQI of 202, falling under the ‘poor’ category.

The adjacent cities, including Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, reported ‘poor’ air quality levels on Thursday.

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI score between 0-50 is ‘Good’ with minimal impact, 51-100 is ‘Satisfactory’ and may cause slight discomfort to sensitive individuals, 101-200 is ‘Moderate’ and can affect those with lung, heart, or asthma conditions, 201-300 is ‘Poor’ and may cause discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, 301-400 is ‘Very Poor’ and can trigger respiratory illness, while 401-500 is ‘Severe’, impacting even healthy individuals and posing serious risks to those with existing conditions.

Delhi’s Air Quality To Remain ‘Very Poor’ For A Week: CPCB

According to CPCB’s forecast, the city’s air quality index is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next six days, with particulate matter (PM 2.5) continuing to be the dominant pollutant in the air.

The Meteorological Department has forecast a gradual rise in wind speeds, reaching up to 15 kmph from the northwest by the afternoon, before dropping below 10 kmph in the evening and night of November 6.

Haryana And Other NCR Cities Record ‘Poor’ Air Quality

In Haryana, Faridabad reported a 24-hour average AQI of 218, while Manesar recorded 269, both falling under the ‘poor’ category, according to CPCB data.

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In the National Capital Region (NCR), Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 257 and 228, respectively, while Ghaziabad recorded 266, all under the ‘poor’ category. According to CPCB, the air quality index is unlikely to show any sign of improvement, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category for the next six days.