NEW DELHI (Rajeev Sharma): The national capital continued to grapple with unhealthy air conditions on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 385, placing Delhi in the “very poor” category, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported.
According to the CPCB’s Sameer app, 18 monitoring stations across the city showed air quality in the “severe” range, while 20 locations reported “very poor” levels, indicating persistent high pollution concentrations in several parts of the city.
CPCB standards classify AQI as:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
The weather conditions have contributed to the poor air quality, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of 9°C, about 4.5 degrees below the seasonal norm, and humidity at 81% in the morning. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 27°C, under a mainly clear sky, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Authorities have urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor exposure. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air can aggravate breathing problems, eye irritation, and other health concerns.
With air quality expected to remain at similar levels in the coming days, experts advise the public to use masks outdoors and keep windows closed during early morning and late evening hours, when pollution tends to be at its peak.
