HAZARDOUS DELHI! AQI at several stations breach 400-mark
New Delhi : Residents in Delhi once again woke up to smog filled air with several AQI stations breaching 400-mark; majority of areas showed AQI between 350-400 readings, which comes under "very poor" category.
According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, the Delhi AQI stood at 376, close to the 'severe' mark, around 7 am on Wednesday, a marginal increase from the average of 372 recorded on Tuesday. This places the AQI in the ‘very poor’ category and on the borderline of hazardous.
Wednesday morning saw many areas of the national capital covered in a smoggy blanket. The worst AQI was recorded at Chandni Chowk, where the readings were showing 431 mark (Severe).
The Jahangirpuri area showed AQI levels at 406, while the area around the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium recorded levels at 405.
According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as “Good,” indicating clean air with minimal or no health impact. Levels from 51 to 100 fall under the “Satisfactory” category, where air quality is generally acceptable, though sensitive groups—such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions—may experience mild discomfort.
The “Moderate” range, 101 to 200, reflects rising pollution levels that can cause breathing difficulties, particularly for people with asthma, lung diseases, or heart conditions.
An AQI of 201 to 300 is categorized as “Poor,” a level where prolonged exposure can lead to breathing discomfort for most people, not only those with existing health issues. This range has become increasingly common across several parts of the capital during winter.
The “Very Poor” category, 301 to 400, poses a significant risk of respiratory illnesses, even for otherwise healthy individuals, especially with extended exposure.
The most hazardous category, “Severe,” includes AQI values from 401 to 500, where the air becomes dangerous for everyone and can trigger serious health effects.
