Delhi air quality enters very poor category as AQI nears 350
Pollution levels rose sharply on Sunday despite new restrictions being implemented across the Delhi-NCR region.
Delhi's air quality deteriorated on Sunday, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) approaching 350 at several locations. According to reports from Urban Acres and Scroll, the air entered the 'very poor' category as new pollution-control measures took effect across Delhi-NCR.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 349 near Akshardham and ITO before 7 am on Sunday. At Jahangirpuri in northwestern Delhi, the AQI reached 417, which Scroll reported as the highest in the capital since February.
The deterioration follows two days of better air after rainfall. The city's AQI rose by 144 points in a single day, climbing from 117 on Saturday to the higher levels recorded on Sunday.
In the surrounding region, Noida recorded a 'very poor' AQI of 308, while Ghaziabad and Greater Noida were in the 'poor' category. Gurugram recorded an average AQI of 225, and Faridabad recorded 118.
New restrictions under the Winter Action Plan began on November 1. These measures include banning certain non-Delhi vehicles from entering the capital until January 31. The CPCB suggested that pollution levels could increase further during the week, potentially expanding the 'very poor' range.
The India Meteorological Department stated that temperatures are unlikely to change significantly over the coming week. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, which was 1.9 degrees below normal.