Delhi AQI: Air quality worsens, several pockets record ‘very poor’ levels amid rising pollution

Delhi AQI Today: The national capital recorded 'poor' air quality overall on Tuesday, February 17, with official readings showing a worsening trend from the previous day. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s AQI stood at 259 at 8 am, up from 214 the day before. This decline raises fears of imminent GRAP restrictions curbing vehicular traffic and construction.

Delhi NCR has already faced multiple rounds of GRAP Stages III and IV this season, imposed automatically based on severity levels.

Several areas remain in the ‘poor’ category as pollution levels rise

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The air quality monitoring stations in Delhi issued disturbing measurements as the following locations maintained 'poor' category in air quality measurements, indicating the following results: Nehru Nagar (257), Dwarka (234), India Gate and Kartavya Path (235), ITO Delhi (236) and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265).

The current disturbing measurements raise concerns for people with health issues, including respiratory and lung problems.

Multiple localities enter ‘very poor’ zone, health risks increase

The worsening AQI measurements have become more serious as multiple locations have reached the 'very poor' category, indicating extreme pollution.

The following areas recorded AQI measurements are: Mundka 328, Anand Vihar 319, Bawana 321, Rohini 340, Jahangirpuri 331, Ashok Vihar 337, Burari 345, Vivek Vihar 321, and Chandni Chowk 302. The current numbers show that multiple city areas have experienced severe air quality deterioration.

The ongoing worsening of AQI levels will lead to breathing problems for healthy people who spend extended time outside.

The 'very poor' air quality levels raise concerns about health risks for children, adults and older citizens, as experts advise everyone to wear a mask as a safety measure. Also, residents in affected areas must avoid outdoor activities unless necessary during peak pollution hours.

The current situation requires constant work to minimise emissions, resulting in better air quality levels throughout the capital city.

AQI ranges from 0 to 500

According to the CPCB, the AQI ranges from 0 to 500 and is divided into six categories. The first category represents the lowest level of pollution, while the sixth category represents the highest level of pollution, which has various effects on people's health.

• The AQI is considered "good" when it ranges from 0 to 50. Air quality in this range poses minimal health risks to people breathing it.
• A reading between 51 and 100 indicates what experts consider "satisfactory." The air is safe for people to breathe, and at this level, most people are unlikely to be affected.
• The AQI system classifies values ​​between 101 and 200 as 'moderate'.
• The AQI system classifies values ​​between 201 and 300 as 'poor'; this level of pollution poses a risk, especially for people with health problems.
• The AQI range of 301 to 400 falls in the 'very poor' category, posing serious health risks to children, adults, older citizens and those suffering from respiratory and lung problems.
• The 'severe' category represents the most dangerous level of risk, existing between 401 and 500. The presence of these conditions results in air quality conditions that pose a threat to the entire population and lead to serious health problems.