Delhi's air quality worsens to 'poor' category, AQI rises to 201

New Delhi: The quality of air in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday morning as the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 201, according to Ministry of Earth Science's air quality monitor, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The city had recorded an AQI of 108 (‘moderate’ category) on Tuesday morning.

The concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 microns stood at 160 (‘moderate’ category) and 90 (‘poor’ category) micrograms per cubic at 6 am on Wednesday, SAFAR stated.

Air quality in parts of Delhi

According to the data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was recorded at 320 in Anand Vihar, 308 in Ashok Vihar, 316 in Chandni Chowk, 354 in Jahangirpuri and 301 in RK Puram, all falling in the ‘very poor’ zone. Several other places such as Bawana, Mathura Road, Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3), Dilshad Garden (IHBAS), ITO, Mundka and Punjabi Bagh recorded ‘poor’ air quality, with the AQI values clocking at 286, 280, 219, 234, 270, 298 and 276 respectively. Meanwhile, at 190, Lodhi Road recorded the air quality in the ‘moderate’ category.

SAFAR's forecast

According to Centre-run SAFAR, the concentration of PM10 particles is expected to be at 192 (‘moderate' category) while PM2.5 is expected to be at 109 (‘poor’ category) on Thursday (December 17). However, after three days, the concentration of PM10 particles is expected to be at 203.

Air quality in other major cities

The quality of air in adjoining Noida in Uttar Pradesh remained in the ‘poor’ category, with the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 clocking at 165 and 252 respectively. Meanwhile, Pune and Ahmedabad recorded ‘moderate’ air quality, while Mumbai’s air quality stood in the ‘satisfactory’ category.