New Delhi, Dec 28 : Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday morning, with large parts of the national capital blanketed by thick smog, underlining the city’s continuing pollution crisis.
According to data from the Sameer app of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 391 at 6:05 a.m. While the city hovered on the edge of the ‘very poor’ category, neighbouring Noida recorded ‘severe’ air quality with an AQI of 415.
Out of 39 active air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 20 reported air quality in the ‘severe’ category. Among the worst-affected areas were Anand Vihar (AQI 445), Shadipur (443), Wazirpur (443), Jahangirpuri (430) and Chandni Chowk (415). ITO recorded an AQI of 402, while NSIT Dwarka showed relatively better conditions at 214.
As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while readings above 400 fall under the ‘severe’ category.
Pollution levels had deteriorated further on Saturday, with air quality slipping into the ‘severe’ bracket by evening. The AQI was recorded at 385 at 4 p.m., rose to 390 by 6 p.m. and reached 391 by 10 p.m., according to official data.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Sunday morning, warning of dense fog and cold wave-like conditions in Delhi and adjoining areas. Meteorological experts said pollution levels are likely to remain high over the next few days due to western disturbances affecting north India. The IMD has reiterated the alert, cautioning residents about moderate to dense fog conditions across the region.