Has Delhi’s Air Quality Improved to ‘Moderate’ with AQI Dropping to 183?
Synopsis
On February 13, the air quality in New Delhi showed a slight improvement, with the AQI at 183, categorizing it as 'moderate.' This article explores the implications of this change, ongoing weather patterns, and the political debate surrounding air quality monitoring.
Key Takeaways
Delhi's AQI improved to 183, marking a moderate level.
The city previously experienced much higher readings of 209 and 294.
Weather conditions are expected to remain stable with misty mornings.
A political debate has arisen concerning air quality monitoring efforts.
Delhi's temperature is projected to range from 11 to 27 degrees Celsius.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) The air quality in the national capital has shown a modest improvement as of Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) now at 183, categorizing it as 'moderate' according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Previously, Delhi registered an AQI of 209 on Thursday and a striking 294 on Wednesday morning.
CPCB data indicates that various monitoring stations throughout the city continue to reflect air quality ranging from moderate to poor. Notable readings include Anand Vihar at 236, Bawana 215, Chandni Chowk 176, DTU 202, Dwarka Sector-8 194, IGI Airport (T3) 144, Jahangirpuri 252, Mandir Marg 145, Mundka 237, Narela 229, Okhla Phase-2 180, Patparganj 193, Pusa 209, R.K. Puram 199, Rohini 232, Shadipur 261, Sonia Vihar 211, Vivek Vihar 211, and Wazirpur 215.
Additionally, the national capital recorded a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius around 7 a.m., with a humidity level of 95 percent, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to AQI classifications, readings from 0 to 50 are labeled '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'.
Delhi has been experiencing warmer afternoons lately, though early mornings still bring a slight chill due to light mist. As daytime temperatures gradually rise, the national capital seems to be transitioning out of the harsh winter phase. The IMD predicts that the minimum temperature will stay around 11 degrees Celsius, with a maximum reaching up to 27 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Unlike Thursday's clear skies, it is anticipated that Delhi will wake up to mist, followed by partly cloudy conditions later in the day.
The IMD has indicated that the skies will primarily be clear on February 14 and 15, while partly cloudy conditions are forecasted for February 13 and 16. Generally cloudy weather is expected on February 17 and 18.
This week, temperatures are likely to remain relatively stable, with warmer days ahead and misty mornings persisting.
In the meantime, the air quality data has sparked a political debate in the capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has questioned the BJP-led government's decision to establish six new AQI monitoring stations in green and open spaces.
AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the government of attempting to manipulate pollution readings rather than tackling the underlying issues of air quality.
In a post on X, Bharadwaj claimed that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's administration had relocated new AQI monitoring stations to greener areas to show an artificially reduced pollution level. He alleged that instead of addressing pollution at its source, the BJP government is focused on improving air quality data 'on paper'.
Furthermore, he claimed that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has remained silent on this matter, asserting that its officers are appointed by the Central Government. The Delhi government has yet to respond to these allegations.
Point of View
It's essential to remain impartial and focus on the facts presented. The recent improvement in Delhi's air quality, while modest, is a welcome change. However, political debates surrounding air quality management must be addressed transparently to ensure public health remains a priority.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current AQI of Delhi?
The current AQI of Delhi is 183, categorized as 'moderate'.
What were the AQI levels earlier in the week?
Delhi recorded an AQI of 209 on Thursday and 294 on Wednesday.
What factors are affecting Delhi's air quality?
Several monitoring stations are still reporting moderate to poor air quality levels due to various environmental factors.
What is the expected weather in Delhi?
The weather forecast predicts misty mornings with partly cloudy skies, and temperatures ranging from 11 to 27 degrees Celsius.
What is the political debate regarding air quality monitoring?
The AAP has criticized the BJP-led government for relocating AQI monitoring stations, alleging it aims to present lower pollution readings.
