New Delhi : According to official data, the Alipur area and Ashok Vihar recorded ‘poor’ air quality with AQI readings of 260 and 288, respectively, at 7 a.m. In ITO Delhi, the AQI was 381, falling into the ‘very poor’ category, while Aya Nagar registered an AQI of 184, categorizing it as ‘moderate.’ Similarly, the AQI at Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) was measured at 232, indicating ‘poor’ air quality.
Although air pollution in the National Capital had slightly improved on Tuesday morning following light rainfall in various parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region on Monday, the Wednesday readings indicated a return to ‘poor’ air quality levels.
The air quality index is categorized as ‘good’ (0-100), ‘moderate’ (100-200), ‘poor’ (200-300), ‘very poor’ (300-400), and ‘severe’ (400-500 or above).
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, while acknowledging the improvement after Monday’s rain, urged citizens to remain cautious. He noted, “A few days back, Delhi’s AQI had reached the ‘Severe’ category. On Monday, the city received light rain because of which there has been an improvement in pollution. The fluctuation will carry on. I request the people in Delhi and NCR to be alert.”
Rai also highlighted that stubble burning in Punjab had ceased, but increased vehicle movement during the ongoing wedding season and activities in the NCR region were contributing significantly to pollution. He urged continued vigilance, stating, “Although there is improvement, people should still be alert. The monitoring of GRAP III is going on strictly.”
