Is Delhi’s Air Quality Stuck in the ‘Very Poor’ Zone for 15 Days?

Synopsis

Delhi's air quality has been alarming, remaining in the 'very poor' category for an astonishing 15 days straight. With an AQI of 338 reported today, experts warn of minimal improvement in the coming week. Discover the ongoing pollution crisis affecting the city and its surroundings.

Key Takeaways

Delhi has faced 15 consecutive days of very poor air quality.

The latest AQI recorded was 338.

Pollution levels remain alarmingly high across the city.

Limited improvements are expected in the upcoming week.

Nearby NCR cities are also experiencing poor air quality.

New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The air quality in Delhi has remained firmly in the very poor category for the 15th consecutive day as of Saturday, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 338 at 7 a.m.

This marks a slight improvement from Friday’s figure of 385, but pollution levels are still alarmingly high throughout the national capital this November.

The 24-hour average AQI for Friday was noted at 369, continuing Delhi’s streak of very poor air quality for the first half of the month.

Forecasts from air quality and weather agencies suggest that significant improvements are unlikely in the upcoming week, as meteorological elements remain largely unfavorable for the dilution of pollutants.

CPCB’s data from Saturday morning revealed that most monitoring stations reported AQI levels within the very poor range. Stations such as Anand Vihar (354), Ashok Vihar (347), Bawana (364), Burari (347), Chandni Chowk (351), Dwarka Sector 8 (368), ITO (343), Patparganj (341), Punjabi Bagh (355), Rohini (364), and Vivek Vihar (358) were among those recording concerning levels.

Nevertheless, a few locations did show marginally better readings in the poor category, including IGI Airport (295), Dilshad Garden (272), Mandir Marg (251), and NSIT Dwarka (252), providing only limited respite.

The neighboring National Capital Region (NCR) cities exhibited a similar trend, with Noida registering an AQI of 344, Ghaziabad at 333, Faridabad at 207, and Gurugram at 293, indicating poor to very poor air quality across the area.

On Friday morning, a total of 19 out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded air quality in the severe category before conditions improved slightly later in the day.

Delhi’s daily average AQI figures throughout the week indicated persistently unhealthy levels: 377 on Thursday, 327 on Wednesday, 352 on Tuesday, and 382 on Monday, all firmly in the very poor range.

As for the weather, the India Meteorological Department has predicted fog for Saturday, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to hover around 11 degrees Celsius.

Point of View

We must acknowledge the persistent air quality crisis in Delhi. With the AQI remaining in the 'very poor' range for over two weeks, it is essential for authorities to take decisive action to mitigate pollution levels and safeguard public health. The situation calls for immediate and sustained intervention.

NationPress

11 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AQI stand for?

AQI stands for Air Quality Index, which measures air pollution levels.

What are the health effects of very poor air quality?

Very poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications.

Why is Delhi's air quality so poor?

Factors include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal weather patterns contributing to pollution.

What can residents do to protect themselves from poor air quality?

Residents can stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear masks when going outside.

How can air quality in Delhi improve?