Delhi AQI today: Air quality at 164, five monitoring stations record ‘poor’ levels

New Delhi: Placing the national capital in the ‘moderate’ category, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 164 at 7 am on Monday (October 26), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading showed a slight improvement in the city's overall air quality, although several monitoring stations still recorded ‘poor’ conditions.

Data from the CPCB showed that 55 of the city’s 60 air quality monitoring stations were providing readings on Monday morning. Showing the presence of fine particles in the air, PM2.5 was the leading pollutant at 30 stations.

Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 246, followed by Vivek Vihar at 235, CRRI Mathura Road at 231, Punjabi Bagh at 225 and R K Puram at 223. All five stations fell in the ‘poor’ category.

PM2.5 was the main pollutant at Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and R K Puram. At CRRI Mathura Road, PM10 was the leading pollutant.

Yamuna foam returns

Air pollution continues to affect Delhi and National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) as toxic white foam has reappeared on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj. The region's overall AQI reached 168 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category under the standard CPCB classification.

Monitoring stations recorded differences across the city. The AQI was around 110 at PGDAV College in Sriniwaspuri, while several other locations recorded readings ranging from 118 to above 180. PM2.5 and PM10 were the main pollutants across the region.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21 in response to worsening pollution levels.

Under GRAP Stage 1, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries is prohibited. The rules also restrict the use of diesel generators to essential and emergency purposes.

Yamuna pollution after Rs 9,000-cr project push

Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed large patches of white foam floating on the Yamuna's surface. It highlights the extent of pollution in the river.

The foam reappeared days after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised government efforts to revive the river. She had described the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore as a “joyful day” for city residents.