New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) On a hazy and polluted Sunday morning, Delhi reported an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 270 at 6 a.m., firmly placing the capital in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

While this demonstrates a slight improvement from the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ air quality conditions observed in recent days, the air remains hazardous for prolonged outdoor activity.

Experts highlighted that better surface wind conditions on Saturday evening contributed to dispersing some pollutants, thereby reducing the overall AQI. However, this marginal improvement did little to alleviate the grim reality for many neighborhoods, where air quality lingered near the ‘very poor’ threshold.

Specific areas in the city recorded AQI levels significantly higher than the citywide average. Shadipur registered the highest pollution level in the morning with an AQI of 336, followed closely by RK Puram at 308, both categorized as ‘very poor’. These figures suggest a heightened risk of respiratory discomfort, even for healthy individuals.

Other notorious pollution hotspots such as Burari (283), Bawana (295), Sirifort (295), Wazirpur (282), Chandni Chowk (281), Anand Vihar (281), Narela (279), Punjabi Bagh (266), and JLN Stadium (269) remained within the ‘poor’ range, highlighting extensive pollution throughout the capital.

Conversely, a few locations performed relatively better. Mandir Marg, with an AQI of 157, was the only area classified as ‘moderate’. Meanwhile, Aya Nagar (225), IGI Airport (227), NSIT Dwarka (228), Lodhi Road (251), Alipur (247), Najafgarh (242), and North Campus (240) remained in the ‘poor’ range.

In the NCR, Gurugram reported an AQI of 233 and Noida 267, both classified as ‘poor’. Faridabad showed a more favorable AQI of 178, categorizing it as ‘moderate’, while Ghaziabad recorded a ‘poor’ AQI of 262.

According to India’s national AQI scale, values between 201 and 300 are deemed ‘poor’, indicating potential breathing difficulties, particularly with extended physical exertion.

Residents venturing outdoors reported ongoing haze, eye irritation, and breathlessness, even with a slight reduction in pollution levels compared to last week's severe highs.

As winter arrives and pollution levels are expected to vary, health professionals continue to advise the public to minimize outdoor activities during early mornings and late evenings when particulate matter tends to settle closer to the ground.