New Delhi: With a staggering surge in Delhi-NCR’s quality of air, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar has soared to a whopping 433, placing it firmly in the “severe” category. In the broader National Capital Region (NCR), pollution levels are also severe, with many areas reporting AQI levels above 300.
After a brief respite from poor air quality on Tuesday, residents of Delhi witnessed a troubling resurgence of pollution on Wednesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI for Delhi has climbed back above 200, rising to 198 the previous day, which had offered a momentary glimpse of relief classified as “moderate.”
Air Quality Index across different parts of Delhi
| Location | AQI Value |
| Dwarka | 336 |
| Jahangirpuri | 332 |
| Mundka | 367 |
| Rohini | 310 |
| Shadipur | 307 |
| Vivek Vihar | 301 |
| Wazirpur | 321 |
| Alipur | 235 |
| Anand Vihar | 433 |
| Ashok Vihar | 209 |
| Aya Nagar | 197 |
| Bawana | 254 |
| Burari | 244 |
| Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range | 205 |
| Dwarka Sector-8 | 252 |
| IGI Airport | 198 |
| Dilshad Garden | 155 |
| ITO | 142 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | 172 |
| Lodhi Road | 143 |
| Mandir Marg | 191 |
| Mundka | 318 |
| Dwarka NSIT | 224 |
| Najafgarh | 180 |
| Narela | 238 |
| Nehru Nagar | 198 |
| North Campus | 183 |
| Okhla Phase-2 | 171 |
| Patparganj | 231 |
| Punjabi Bagh | 231 |
| Pusa DPCC | 181 |
| Pusa IMD | 155 |
| RK Puram | 220 |
| Rohini | 212 |
| Shadipur | 233 |
| Siri Fort | 194 |
| Sonia Vihar | 179 |
| Aurobindo Marg | 135 |
| Vivek Vihar | 212 |
| Wazirpur | 269 |
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500: a score of 0-50 is classified as ‘good,’ 51-100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 as ‘moderate,’ 201-300 as ‘poor,’ 301-400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 as ‘severe.’ Prolonged exposure to such high levels of air pollution poses serious health risks, prompting urgent responses from authorities.
Steps being taken to curb air pollution
In light of the fluctuating air quality, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) remains in effect across Delhi. The initiative includes a series of proactive measures aimed at mitigating pollution:
- Regular cleaning of roads and water sprinkling to minimise dust.
- Dust suppression strategies implemented at construction sites.
- Stringent checks on polluting vehicles coupled with improved traffic management.
- Emission control measures targeted at industries, power plants, and brick kilns.
- A ban on open waste burning and restrictions on diesel generators, alongside prohibiting coal and firewood in eateries.
- Utilization of apps like 311, Green Delhi, and Sameer for reporting pollution-related concerns.
- Encouraging offices to adopt integrated transport options to alleviate traffic congestion.
- Advising residents to celebrate festivals in eco-friendly ways and to avoid fireworks.
