The air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Sunday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 221 around 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a marginal decline from Saturday’s AQI of 197.
Several areas reported elevated pollution levels, including Mundka (275), Anand Vihar (265), Bawana (241), Rohini (250), Dwarka (221), ITO (213), Ashok Vihar (243), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265), Vivek Vihar (252), and Chandni Chowk (228), reported ANI.
As per CPCB standards, the AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500 and is categorised into six levels based on pollution severity and associated health risks. An AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the ‘poor’ category, where prolonged exposure may cause breathing discomfort to most people.
According to the ANI, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that the AQI may improve to the ‘moderate’ category, around 180, later in the day.
Meanwhile, the deteriorating air quality has drawn criticism from the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party questioned the credibility of Delhi’s pollution data and objected to the BJP government’s decision to install six new AQI monitoring stations in green and open areas.
AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the move was aimed at artificially lowering AQI readings rather than addressing the root causes of pollution
Mumbai weather update: Hot Sunday ahead as IMD predicts 36 degrees Celsius; city AQI at 135
The city is witnessing unusually warm and entirely dry weather for mid-February, with daytime temperatures rising significantly above seasonal averages.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 36 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
As per the SAMEER app, Mumbai’s AQI on Sunday stands at 135, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Such air quality may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart disease.
AQI across Mumbai
Bandra Kurla Complex – 161
Borivali East – 133
Byculla – 124
Andheri East – 172
Chembur – 115
Colaba – 115
Deonar-150
In the neighbouring regions of Mumbai, air quality levels also remained in the ‘moderate’ category. Thane recorded an AQI of 106, Kalyan stood at 120, and Navi Mumbai registered 130. These readings indicate moderate air quality, which may cause discomfort to individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
(With ANI inputs)