New Delhi is grappling with a severe decline in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing into the ‘very poor’ and even ‘severe’ categories across several areas following Diwali. This deterioration occurred despite the use of ‘green crackers’ during the celebrations.
As of 1 PM on Wednesday, October 22, Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 341, signifying ‘very poor’ air quality. Specific locations like Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 363, Chandni Chowk at 325, ITO at 372, and Najafgarh at 301, all falling within the ‘very poor’ range.
Out of the 39 monitoring stations across Delhi, a concerning 31 reported AQI levels between 301 and 399. West Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh was the most affected, with an AQI of 419, classifying it as ‘severe’. On a more positive note, Lodhi Road and Delhi Technological University (DTU) recorded the lowest AQI at 209, which is still categorized as ‘poor’.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.
In response to the escalating pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region. This plan includes measures such as stricter controls on diesel generator sets, restrictions on interstate bus movements (except for EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles), and increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle usage.
Delhi’s AQI Readings (as of 1 PM on Wednesday, October 22):
- Alipur, Delhi (DPCC): 312.00
- Anand Vihar, Delhi (DPCC): 363.00
- Ashok Vihar, Delhi (DPCC): 375.00
- Aya Nagar, Delhi (IMD): 337.00
- Bawana, Delhi (DPCC): 363.00
- Burari Crossing, Delhi (IMD): 363.00
- CRRI Mathura Road, Delhi (IMD): 360.00
- Chandni Chowk, Delhi (IITM): 325.00
- DTU, Delhi (CPCB): 209.00
- Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Delhi (DPCC): 328.00
- Dwarka-Sector 8, Delhi (DPCC): 345.00
- IGI Airport (T3), Delhi (IMD): 269.00
- IHBAS, Dilshad Garden, Delhi (CPCB): 373.00
- ITO, Delhi (CPCB): 372.00
- Jahangirpuri, Delhi (DPCC): 360.00
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi (DPCC): 355.00
- Lodhi Road, Delhi (IITM): 209.00
- Lodhi Road, Delhi (IMD): 332.00
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi (DPCC): 329.00
- Mandir Marg, Delhi (DPCC): 342.00
- Mundka, Delhi (DPCC): 313.00
- NSIT Dwarka, Delhi (CPCB): 281.00
- Najafgarh, Delhi (DPCC): 301.00
- Narela, Delhi (DPCC): 321.00
- Nehru Nagar, Delhi (DPCC): 398.00
- North Campus, DU, Delhi (IMD): 359.00
- Okhla Phase-2, Delhi (DPCC): 352.00
- Patparganj, Delhi (DPCC): 367.00
- Punjabi Bagh, Delhi (DPCC): 419.00
- Pusa, Delhi (DPCC): 348.00
- Pusa, Delhi (IMD): 368.00
- R K Puram, Delhi (DPCC): 383.00
- Rohini, Delhi (DPCC): 365.00
- Shadipur, Delhi (CPCB): 317.00
- Sirifort, Delhi (CPCB): 359.00
- Sonia Vihar, Delhi (DPCC): 338.00
- Sri Aurobindo Marg, Delhi (DPCC): 317.00
- Vivek Vihar, Delhi (DPCC): 365.00
- Wazirpur, Delhi (DPCC): 394.00