Delhi: Air pollution continued to trouble the national capital on Friday, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘poor’ bracket during the early morning hours. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the citywide AQI at 226 around 6:05 am, reflecting little respite for residents.
Monitoring stations across Delhi indicated that a majority of neighbourhoods were breathing unhealthy air, while only a limited number reported conditions in the ‘moderate’ range.
Among the worst-affected locations, Pusa emerged as the most polluted with an AQI close to the upper end of the ‘poor’ category at 294. Shadipur followed with 280, while Nehru Nagar and Jahangirpuri recorded AQI readings of 278 and 277 respectively. Elevated pollution levels were also noted in Dwarka Sector-8, RK Puram, Rohini, Bawana and Wazirpur, all hovering well above the 250 mark.
Other areas such as Vivek Vihar, Okhla Phase-2, Sonia Vihar and Anand Vihar also remained in the ‘poor’ category, alongside Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Siri Fort, ITO, Chandni Chowk and Patparganj. Northern parts of the city, including Burari Crossing, Alipur and the North Campus area, continued to report degraded air quality as well.
In contrast, a handful of locations showed relatively better conditions. Stations at IIT Delhi, NSIT Dwarka, CRRI Mathura Road and Lodhi Road recorded AQI levels within the ‘moderate’ range. Similar readings were observed at Mandir Marg, IGI Airport’s Terminal 3, Sri Aurobindo Marg and Aya Nagar, offering limited relief compared to pollution hotspots elsewhere in the city.
According to CPCB guidelines, AQI values between 201 and 300 fall under the ‘poor’ category and can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, while ‘moderate’ levels (101–200) may affect those with existing respiratory conditions.
Reacting to the persistent pollution, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described air contamination and the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna as long-standing issues inherited from earlier administrations. In a recent interview, she said tackling pollution required sustained planning rather than short-term measures.
“Pollution is the outcome of years of neglect. Addressing it demands a holistic approach that looks at air, water and dust together,” Gupta said, adding that her government was working on long-term solutions to deal with the twin challenges facing the capital.
With pollution levels showing little immediate improvement, authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activity where possible and follow health advisories until air quality shows signs of recovery.
