Delhi's AQI touches 350, worst in 287 days as Jahangirpuri records 'severe' pollution

Delhi recorded its worst air quality in 287 days on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 350 and 10 monitoring stations reporting severe pollution levels. The last time the national capital recorded a higher AQI was on January 20, when the index stood at 378.

Of the 57 air quality monitoring stations in the city, 10 recorded severe air quality, 35 reported very poor levels and 12 were in the poor category. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst air quality, with an AQI of 462, placing it in the severe category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI of zero to 50 is classified as good, 51 to 100 as satisfactory, 101 to 200 as moderate, 201 to 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, and 401 to 500 as severe.

PM2.5 was the most prominent pollutant in Delhi. These fine particulate matter particles, measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category from November 4 to 6. The outlook for the next six days suggests that pollution levels could remain in the very poor to severe categories.