Delhi AQI today: Air quality in the national capital deteriorates to ‘very poor’ at 349

Delhi AQI Today: The air quality index (AQI) in national capital Delhi was recorded “very poor” at 349 as of 7 am on October 23, 2024, as per SAFAR-India. Further, in areas like Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, a layer of smog has engulfed the locality as air quality dropped to ‘severe’ category, with AQI at 402 and 417 respectively, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Know air quality recorded in different locations of Delhi

In Alipur, very poor category air was recorded with AQI at 372, Ashok Vihar at 359, Bawana at 391, Dwarka-Sector 8 at 367, NSIT Dwarka at 379, Najafgarh at 342, Narela at 357, Nehru Nagar at 365, Okhla Phase 2 at 346, Patparganj at 373, Punjabi Bagh at 365, Pusa at 305, RK Puram at 352, Rohini at 388, Shadipur at 322, Sirifort at 334, Sri Aurobindo Marg at 322, Vivek Vihar at 399, while Wazirpur at 387.

‘Poor’ category air was recorded in Chandni Chowk with AQI at 274, Dilshad Garden at 276, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 297.

Locals say, ‘issues related to breathing have become common…’

While speaking to news agency ANI, a local at Lodhi Road said, “The pollution has increased more in the last two days. We also have to miss our morning walks sometimes... The issues related to breathing have become common... It is necessary to stop this and precautionary measures need to be taken before the diseases increase... The stubble burning is the reason, there is also vehicular pollution... The situation will further deteriorate after Diwali…”

A cyclist at India Gate said, “We come here for cycling daily. But we are now facing some problems because of the pollution. Today, the throat is hurting, there is irritation in the eyes. The chest is also feeling uneasy... All the leaders and the politicians have to look at this problem. They have to come up with a solution," as quoted by ANI.

GRAP Stage II imposed in Delhi

On October 21, the city recorded “very poor” quality air, with the AQI reaching 310 and prompting the enforcement of the second stage of the city's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP Stage II). GRAP Stage II bans the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as diesel generator sets (except for emergency and essential services).

The GRAP classifies the air quality in the Delhi-NCR under four different stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI>450).

As per the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.