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Delhi’s Air Quality Hits 3-Year Best as AQI Drops to 85, Lowest Since 2020

March 15, 2025, 10:21 pm

In a big relief to residents of Delhi, the capital witnessed its cleanest air in three years as the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped to 85 on Saturday, March 15. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attested that it was the lowest AQI recorded from January 1 to March 15 in the past three years.

Due to the better air quality, authorities have withdrawn measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-1 in Delhi-NCR.

First ‘Satisfactory’ Day of Air in Years

The CAQM made it official on X (formerly Twitter) that this was the first time in 2025 that the air in Delhi has dipped into the ‘Satisfactory’ range, which encompasses AQI between 50-100.

“Delhi has seen a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI in March, the first time in five years since 2020,” the CAQM said.

“Today, Delhi observed an average AQI of 85, lowest in the past three years for 1st January to 15th March. Today’s AQI is also the first day of this year with a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI (AQI 51-100). Delhi has experienced a ‘Satisfactory’ AQI during the month of March, first time in the past five years since 2020,” the release stated.

Rain and Pleasant Winds Relieve Air Quality

The tremendous relief in air quality in Delhi followed light rains in the Delhi-NCR belt during Holi festivities. Favorable winds in addition to rains cleared out the pollutants and caused a dip in temperature, which had been climbing after winter finally ended.

“Delhi AQI has also improved considerably because of good winds, light rain/drizzle, and better meteorological conditions prevailing over Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been measured at 85 for 15.03.2025 (in ‘Satisfactory’ category). Additionally, the prediction by IMD/IITM also indicates AQI to predominantly stay in ‘Satisfactory to Moderate’ category in forthcoming days,” an official release stated.

GRAP Stage-1 Restrictions Revoked

In a move to reciprocate the better air quality, CAQM has withdrawn GRAP Stage-1 steps that are enforced when air quality is in the ‘Poor’ category. Still, officials have asked respective agencies to stay vigilant on the air quality and take action if required as per IMD and IITM predictions.

The Sub-Committee, as such, orders the cancellation of its order dated 07.03.2025, initiating actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the existing GRAP in the whole of NCR with immediate effect,” the statement added.

Delhi’s Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’ as Dense Fog Reduces Visibility

December 19, 2024, 9:07 am

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital remained in the ‘severe’ category on Thursday, as a dense fog covered the city, reducing visibility. AQI measured in the city was 448 at 8 a.m. as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
AQI in several areas of the national capital was recorded as ‘severe’. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 478, 474 at Ashok Vihar, 460 at Bawana and 461 at DTU.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is severe.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in the city was recorded as 7 degrees Celsius, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Additionally, as per IMD, smog and dense fog conditions are likely to intensify due to the predominant surface winds from the north wind direction.
A pedestrian said that the temperatures in the city were expected to drop in the coming days.
“This year, the winters have come late so we are expecting it to stay till late next year. The temperature has decreased and we can expect it to decrease more in the coming days,” said the pedestrian.
Delhi winters pose a hard time to the poor localites of the city with no accommodation and shelter to stay in.
“The people who take shelter outside AIIMS are the ones who battle the cold weather. It is really tough for them. The temperature will decrease more and it will become more difficult for them. People should take precaution and take care of their body temperatures during these weather conditions,” said another pedestrian.
Amidst the cold weather, Air Force personnel were seen rehearsing for the 78th Republic Day at Kartavya Path.
On Tuesday, the minimum temperature recorded in the city was 5 degree Celsisus, as per IMD.
GRAP stage IV measures have been in effect in the entire NCR since December 16 after the deterioration in air quality.
This decision came after Delhi’s AQI surpassed the 400 mark. On Monday night, the AQI was reported as 399 at 9 PM and crossed into the severe zone at 401 by 10 PM.

Delhi’s Air Quality Stays ‘Very Poor’ for Third Day; AQI Hits 349

November 30, 2024, 9:15 am

The air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the third consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 349 as of 7 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Specific AQI readings in various parts of the city were reported as 351 at Alipur, 351 at Burari Crossing, 377 at DTU, and 328 at ITO, as per CPCB data.
Visuals from Connaught Place, India Gate, and Anand Vihar showed a thick blanket of smog covering the whole area.
Residents suffering from the drastically increasing pollution levels said that the government’s intervention could help resolve several issues.
“The pollution is a lot; we are not able to breathe properly. The government needs to do something about this. The situations are worse for the elderly people and the labourers who are not able to work because of the current situations,” said a cyclist near the India Gate speaking to ANI.
Another pedestrian said that the government should attempt to make a transformation to EV cars and learn better technologies for stubble burning.
“The government should work on the vehicles and try to shift the current transportation to EV cars. The government should also learn about better technologies for stubble burning,” said the pedestrian.
Amol, a school student, said that the lack of accountability in the people added to the troublesome situation.
“The rising pollution could be handled properly if the government starts taking better steps. In addition to the pollution, the dust here is also a big problem. People are starting to get normal with this situation, and that is a worrisome situation. There is no accountability for the rules set by the government. Our people also need to start becoming accountable for the situations,” he said.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe.

Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Very Poor’ After Eight Days of ‘Severe’ Pollution

November 21, 2024, 8:42 am

Delhi’s air quality has slightly improved, moving to the “very poor” category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 379, following eight consecutive days of “severe” pollution. However, several areas across the capital still recorded AQI levels above 400 on Thursday morning, remaining in the “severe” category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur reported the highest AQI readings at 437, followed by Bawana at 419 and Ashok Vihar and Mundka at 416. Despite the improvement, a thick smog continues to blanket the city, reducing visibility and causing disruptions.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed delays for 97 flights, while three were cancelled due to poor visibility.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi’s temperature on Thursday ranged from 11°C to 26°C.

In response to the ongoing pollution crisis, the Delhi government has implemented work-from-home measures for 50% of its employees and announced school closures under Stages 3 and 4 of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Beyond Delhi, Jaipur and Chandigarh recorded AQI levels of 235 and 233, respectively, categorized as “poor.” Meanwhile, Aizawl and Guwahati reported the lowest pollution levels in the country, with AQI readings of 32 and 42, respectively, as of 7 a.m. Thursday.

‘Soup-er Hero’ in Delhi: How a Restaurant Chain Is Battling Smog Creatively | WATCH

November 19, 2024, 4:00 pm

On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality remained in the hazardous ‘severe plus’ category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting an alarming 494 at 6 am. The capital city continues to be shrouded in a dense layer of smog, a dangerous mix of smoke and fog, which has led to poor visibility and serious health risks. Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can result in heart diseases, respiratory problems, and a decrease in life expectancy.

Hong’s Kitchen Combats Pollution with Innovative Billboards

In response to the mounting air pollution crisis, a popular Indian-Chinese restaurant chain, Hong’s Kitchen, has taken a unique initiative to help combat the rising pollution levels. The restaurant has unveiled a series of anti-pollution billboards, branded as ‘Soup-er Hero,’ aimed at reducing smog in Delhi. These innovative installations have been set up in some of the city’s most polluted “choke points” identified by experts.

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The ‘Soup-er Hero’ Anti-Smog Billboards

The installations feature giant soup bottles equipped with cutting-edge anti-smog mist systems. Behind each soup bottle, a ‘smog gun’ is installed, which releases a fine mist of recycled water. This mist binds with harmful PM 2.5 particles—microscopic pollutants that can penetrate the bloodstream through the lungs—making them heavier and causing them to settle, thus reducing the concentration of pollutants in the air.

These anti-smog billboards are placed strategically at key locations around Delhi and its neighboring areas, including Gurugram, Moti Bagh, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Laxmi Nagar, Nehru Place, and Noida. The initiative also includes bus shelters and custom sculptures that contribute to improving air quality.

Support for Environmental Causes

Hong’s Kitchen is also supporting the environment through a charitable component of this initiative. The restaurant has pledged to donate INR 10 from every soup bottle sold to the Swechha Foundation, an NGO dedicated to tackling air and water pollution and promoting sustainability in India.

A Unique Approach to Tackling Delhi’s Pollution

With pollution levels in Delhi reaching hazardous levels, Hong’s Kitchen’s unique approach of combining public art and technology in an attempt to combat air pollution is a noteworthy effort. The restaurant’s initiative aims not only to raise awareness about air quality issues but also actively contribute to the reduction of pollutants in the city’s air.

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates: Breathing Equals Smoking 49 Cigarettes Daily As AQI Soars To 978

November 18, 2024, 6:41 pm

Delhi’s worsening air quality has reached alarming levels, equivalent to inhaling 49.02 cigarettes per day as the Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at a staggering 978. Since late October, pollution in the national capital has continued to deteriorate due to factors like stubble burning and firecrackers.

As of 12:30 PM on November 18, data from aqi.in indicated that Delhi’s AQI was among the worst recorded. Residents are grappling with “unimaginable” levels of pollution, leading to a “choking” cityscape.

The apex court has pulled up AAP-led Delhi government for tardiness in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih emphasized that measures under Stage 4 must continue to be enforced if the AQI deteriorates slightly below the 450 mark. As a countermeasure, most schools in Delhi have decided to go online with classes except for 10 and 12 grades due to hazardous conditions.

Air Quality Worsens in Haryana Too

Haryana recorded a severe AQI of 631, which corresponds to smoking 33.25 cigarettes every day. Smog and pollutants emitted from stubble burning continue to affect both Haryana and Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh and Punjab

Uttar Pradesh stood at 273, equivalent to smoking 10.16 cigarettes each day. The state recorded PM2.5 levels of 122 µg/m³. Punjab, on the other hand, is often known for stubble burning. The state’s AQI is placed at 233, equivalent to the smoke from 8.34 cigarettes a day. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena said, “If Punjab’s AAP government can bring down the stubble burning by as much as 80%, then why is it rising in other states?”

Also Read: Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates: Schools and Offices Go Remote Amid Emergency Measures

Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh: Clean Air Outliers

Ladakh has the cleanest air, equivalent to zero cigarettes per day. Arunachal Pradesh comes closest with an AQI of 13, which is merely 0.18 cigarettes daily, so the citizens have much healthier lungs overall.

Delhi’s Air Quality Reaches ‘Severe Plus’ Level, AQI Soars To 457

November 17, 2024, 8:19 pm

On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality worsened further, crossing into the ‘severe plus’ category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 457 at 7 pm. This marked the second time since last Wednesday that the AQI breached the ‘severe plus’ threshold, following the city’s air quality slipping into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

All monitoring stations across Delhi reported AQI levels exceeding 400, with Bawana (490), Ashok Vihar (487), and Wazirpur (483) being the most polluted areas at 7 pm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted moderate to dense fog on Sunday night, with even denser fog expected on Monday morning.

To address this worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Friday. The plan includes halting construction and demolition, suspending non-essential mining activities, and restricting certain vehicles, such as non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses. Schools have been advised to close for classes up to Grade 5.

Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality ‘Severe’; GRAP 3 Imposed, Private Cars Banned, Schools Go Online

As part of the measures, the Delhi Transport Department imposed stricter penalties for polluting vehicles, with fines of Rs 20,000 for offenders. Additionally, various vehicle categories, including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars, have been banned from operating in the city.

To combat pollution, the CAQM has instructed an increase in road sweeping and water sprinkling in high-pollution zones. The Delhi Metro has also expanded its operations by adding 60 extra trips on weekdays to encourage public transport use.

Dense Fog and Dangerous Air Quality Continue to Grip Delhi

November 16, 2024, 10:32 am

On Saturday morning, dense fog blanketed Delhi and nearby areas, while the city’s air quality remained in the ‘Severe’ category for the fourth consecutive day. At 6 a.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 404, classified as ‘Severe’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. Several areas reported even higher AQI levels, including Alipur at 433, Anand Vihar at 436, and Ashok Vihar at 438.

AQI Categories

The AQI is classified into six categories:

‘Good’ (0-50)
‘Satisfactory’ (51-100)
‘Moderately Polluted’ (101-200)
‘Poor’ (201-300)
‘Very Poor’ (301-400)
‘Severe’ (401-500)

With an AQI of 404, Delhi falls under the ‘Severe’ category, signaling serious health risks for residents.

GRAP Stage 3 Measures Implemented

To address the deteriorating air quality, Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was activated on Friday. This action followed the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directive issued on Thursday.

Key measures under GRAP-3 include:

Suspension of all construction and demolition activities.
Halting of non-essential mining operations.
Restrictions on non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses.
Schools in Delhi-NCR have shifted to online classes for students up to grade 5.

Causes of Delhi’s Pollution

Delhi’s air quality had remained in the ‘Very Poor’ category for 14 days, primarily due to vehicular emissions, which accounted for 15.4% of the pollution. Stubble burning in neighboring states has further intensified the pollution, enveloping the city in thick smog. Dangerous levels of PM2.5 and PM10 continue to pose a threat to public health.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Warning System predicts that slow wind speeds will persist, making it harder for pollutants to disperse. As a result, Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain poor for the foreseeable future.

Delhi’s Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’ for 10th Consecutive Day, Poses Health Risks

November 11, 2024, 9:56 am

Delhi continued to face hazardous air quality on Monday, marking the 10th consecutive day of pollution following Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ category across multiple areas, with readings surpassing 300 at several monitoring stations, putting residents’ health at significant risk.

A thick smog covered the city, and air quality data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed an AQI of 316 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) and 378 at Akshardham, both classified as ‘very poor.’

On Sunday evening, at least eight monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Alipur, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, Rohini, and RK Puram, reported ‘very poor’ air quality.

AQI classifications are as follows: 0-50 is ‘good,’ 51-100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 is ‘moderate,’ 201-300 is ‘poor,’ 301-400 is ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 is ‘severe.’

Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis: AQI Surpasses 400 As Pollution Levels Soar

November 4, 2024, 12:04 am

His air quality continued to deteriorate on Sunday as a blanket of dense smog covered the city. By 9 p.m. at Anand Vihar, it had reached “severe”, as per the Air Quality Index or AQI that logged up to 424. Delhi witnessed the worst air quality ever recorded in the country.

The levels of pollution continue to stay higher in a large number of places throughout the city due to pollution caused during Diwali festivals. According to news agency PTI, 15 air quality monitors showed AQI reading to more than 400 which essentially means the AQI measures severe level of pollution in the atmosphere.
Places or stations recording their air qualities as severe were Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Najafgarh, Nehru Nagar, Okhla Phase 2, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, Wazirpur, and Vivek Vihar.

City’s 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 p.m. stood at 382, deteriorating from 316 the previous day. Air quality did see some brief improvement with the help of winds but the pollution levels skyrocketed in the aftermath of Diwali festivities when the ban on firecrackers was virtually disregarded.
National capital also witnessed its lowest night temperature so far with dense smog that was impeding sunlight during the day.

The weather department reported that the minimum temperature on Sunday was 16.5 degrees Celsius, which is 1.2 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature touched 33.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.7 degrees above normal. Shallow fog conditions are also expected to continue into Monday, the agency added.

Delhi to Mobilize Civil Defence Volunteers

Atishi, the Chief Minister of Delhi, announced that she would redeploy approximately 10,000 civil defense volunteers in the next two or four days to assist a bunch of agencies in their effort against air pollution. The employees were relieved from their role as bus marshals last year after they received objections from the revenue and finance departments.

“I would like to tell the BJP leaders to halt their dirt politics on bus marshal’s issue. They were barred from receiving salary since last April and are finally expelled in October this year under BJP’s conspiracy,” claimed Atishi.

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’ as Pollution Levels Rise

October 22, 2024, 10:05 am

Delhi’s air quality has dropped to the ‘very poor’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 recorded around 8:00 am on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick layer of smog enveloped areas like Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple, worsening visibility and prompting health warnings for residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions. The pollution levels are anticipated to remain elevated if weather conditions do not improve.

In response to the declining air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) for Delhi-NCR after the AQI fell into the ‘very poor’ category. This plan includes measures such as mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling on roads, intensified inspections at construction sites, and proper disposal of dust. Citizens are encouraged to use public transport, limit personal vehicle use, and avoid dust-generating activities.

Meanwhile, the Yamuna River has also become a focal point of pollution concerns, with toxic foam observed floating near Kalindi Kunj. Dinesh Kumar, an NGO owner who regularly cleans the river, noted the foam’s toxicity and attributed the pollution to untreated sewage being discharged into the river. On a recent visit to the area, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his government’s failure to address the ongoing pollution crisis, challenging AAP leaders to experience the contaminated waters firsthand.

As smog thickened over the capital, locals expressed their frustrations. Saif, a visitor at Kartavya Path, remarked, “Breathing becomes difficult during these months, especially in October, November, and December. The government is taking steps to combat pollution, but timely action is crucial to prevent future issues.”

With the air quality remaining a critical concern, the CPCB has emphasized that prolonged exposure to ‘very poor’ air can lead to respiratory discomfort and illnesses, underlining the urgency of addressing both air and water pollution in the national capital.