New Delhi: The national capital experienced a slight easing in air pollution levels on Sunday morning, though hazy conditions continued to blanket several parts of the city. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 196 around 7 am, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.
The reading reflected a modest improvement from Saturday evening, when the AQI had climbed to 227 and was marked as ‘poor’. However, despite the dip in overall numbers, visibility remained affected in multiple neighbourhoods, with pollution levels still breaching safe limits in many pockets.
Pollution hotspots and cleaner zones
CPCB monitoring stations indicated that western and northern areas of Delhi bore the brunt of pollution. Mundka reported the worst air quality with an AQI of 266, followed by Pusa at 257. Narela and Rohini both registered readings of 247, while Ashok Vihar and Jahangirpuri hovered above 240. Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk also remained in the ‘poor’ category, recording AQI values above 220.
In contrast, southern and central locations fared comparatively better. Sri Aurobindo Marg emerged as the cleanest area with an AQI of 126. IGI Airport, Aya Nagar, Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi and ITO all remained within the ‘moderate’ range, with readings between 130 and 141.
Air quality outlook
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, pollution levels are expected to fluctuate between ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’ through Sunday, with a likelihood of slipping back into the ‘poor’ bracket on Monday. The forecast for the following week suggests that air quality may continue to hover in the ‘poor’ category, offering little sustained relief.
Steps to tackle pollution
In a bid to combat pollution at public transport hubs, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced the completion of pollution-control infrastructure across all elevated metro stations. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has installed 131 mist spray systems and 12 anti-smog guns across 143 elevated stations. These measures cover both on-road and off-road stations, with anti-smog guns used at locations where technical constraints prevented mist system installation.
The chief minister said the project was finished ahead of schedule and described it as a practical step to reduce dust and particulate matter at busy transit points.
Weather adds to haze
Weather conditions also played a role in pollution dispersion. Residents woke up to moderate fog and a chill in the air on Sunday morning. The India Meteorological Department has forecast largely clear skies with possible mist during early hours. Temperatures are expected to remain cool, with minimums between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius and daytime highs ranging from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists predict similar cold and dry conditions in the coming days, with no major weather systems expected that could significantly improve air quality in the short term.
