Delhi air quality worsens again, AQI slips back to ‘very poor’

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated again on Tuesday, dropping back into the ‘very poor’ category after two days of slight relief. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 331 at 6 am, indicating a fresh spike in pollution levels.

Several monitoring stations reported even higher readings. Bawana (387), Anand Vihar (381), Wazirpur (362), Burari (361) and RK Puram (356) all fell deep into the ‘very poor’ zone. IGI Airport remained comparatively better, but its AQI of 269 still stayed in the ‘poor’ range.

As per CPCB standards, AQI between 301–400 is considered ‘very poor’, while levels above 400 are classified as ‘severe’.

A thick layer of smog covered many parts of the city on Tuesday morning. At India Gate–Kartavya Path, the AQI touched around 370, while MB Road in Tughlakabad recorded 302, raising fresh concerns among citizens.

Residents said the worsening pollution is affecting daily life. Many complained of eye irritation, coughing and difficulty stepping outdoors early in the morning, urging authorities to take stronger measures beyond water sprinkling.

Delhi had shown slight improvement earlier, with AQIs of 279 on Sunday and 298 on Monday, before pollution levels climbed again.

Meanwhile, winter conditions are tightening their grip. The IMD forecast a maximum temperature of around 26°C and a minimum of about 7 degree celsius for Tuesday, signalling a steady dip in temperatures along with rising pollution.

(with inputs from agencies)