Air quality concerns in Delhi and Mumbai: Delhi's AQI in 'poor' category, while Mumbai's 'very poor'

The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'poor' category for the third consecutive day on Saturday, according to SAFAR-India. The city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 286, down from a 'moderate' AQI of 190 on Wednesday. Areas like Delhi University and Pusa recorded 'very poor' and 'poor' air quality with AQI readings of 316 and 201, respectively, at 7 am.

IIT Delhi's region also had 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 276, and even the Airport (T3) had a 'poor' AQI of 293. However, Mathura Road had a moderate AQI of 165. Noida recorded an AQI of 255 (poor), while Gurugram had an AQI of 200 (moderate).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a simple communication tool to convey air quality conditions. It condenses complex data on various pollutants into a single numerical value and a descriptive category.


An AQI from 0 to 100 is considered 'good,' from 100 to 200 is 'moderate,' from 200 to 300 is 'poor,' and from 300 to 400 is 'very poor,' while anything above 400 is deemed 'severe.'

On Friday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai mentioned the implementation of a 15-point winter action plan to combat pollution, addressing factors like vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and dust. One of the initiatives, 'Red Light on, Gaadi off,' was launched to reduce pollution caused by vehicles.

The campaign began at the Income Tax Office (ITO) on Thursday and will extend to other locations, with plans for promotion in schools via eco clubs. The aim is to control unnecessary fuel combustion and reduce pollution in the national capital.

In an effort to mitigate pollution, water was sprayed in the Anand Vihar area using an anti-smog gun.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus continued to experience 'very poor' air quality.