Delhi: Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region witnessed a slight improvement in air quality on Monday morning, though pollution levels continued to remain a concern. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 263 at around 7:05 am, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer application.
Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations across the capital, 37 were operational and reported mixed pollution levels ranging from moderate to very poor. Several densely populated areas continued to struggle with high pollution. Localities such as Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Chandni Chowk, Jahangirpuri, Nehru Nagar and Sirifort recorded AQI readings above 300, falling in the ‘very poor’ bracket.
Some parts of the city, however, showed comparatively better air conditions. Monitoring stations at Aya Nagar, Bawana, the IGI Airport area, IIT Delhi, Lodhi Road and NSIT Dwarka reported AQI levels in the ‘moderate’ range, offering limited relief to residents.
Large stretches of Delhi, including Alipur, Burari, Dwarka Sector 8, ITO and Mundka, continued to record ‘poor’ air quality, highlighting the uneven distribution of pollution across the capital.
Alongside pollution concerns, dense fog disrupted normal life, particularly air travel. Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected as low visibility conditions led to delays. Several flights operated by IndiGo and Air India were impacted, according to reports citing airline updates.
Weather officials have advised passengers to check flight schedules before heading to the airport, as foggy conditions are expected to persist during early morning hours. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor air quality levels closely amid ongoing winter conditions that tend to trap pollutants over the region.
