Air Quality Index (AQI) was 249 at 8 am on March 12, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), remaining in the 'poor' category
Six of the world's ten most polluted cities are in India; the country marginally improved its position from number three in 2023
Delhi also remained the most polluted capital in the world, according to World Air Quality Report 2024 released by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir
Air quality has improved across Delhi-NCR due to rainfall over the past few days
In neighbouring cities, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 95, placing it in the 'satisfactory' category, while Noida and Ghaziabad reported AQI levels of 102 and 167, respectively
In neighbouring cities, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 114, while Noida and Greater Noida reported AQIs of 90 and 60, respectively
Air quality across Delhi-NCR deteriorated, and remained in the 'poor' or 'moderate' range
The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality on Monday revoked the Stage 2 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a dip in pollution levels due to favourable meteorological conditions. Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index stood at 186 at 4 pm, significantly below the 300-mark that triggers Stage 2 restrictions. The India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predict that the AQI will likely remain in the moderate to poor category. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas attributes the improved air quality to better mixing height, ventilation coefficient, and "much favourable conditions for dispersion of pollutants". With the revocation of Stage 2 curbs, inter-state buses from NCR states are now permitted to enter Delhi. During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI ..
According to the city's 24-hour average at 4 pm, the AQI in Gurugram also remained in the 'moderate' category at 129, whereas, in Ghaziabad, and Noida, it improved significantly
Air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) remained in the 'moderate' category, indicating a positive shift compared to previous days
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts 'moderate' air quality from 20-21 February, with AQI levels expected to range from 'poor' to 'moderate' over the next six days
Unfavourable weather, including a partly cloudy sky and low wind speed, has worsened air quality in Delhi
The team note that factors such as household location, ventilation, and occupancy patterns influenced particle levels - demonstrating the complexity of indoor air quality
According to the city's 24-hour average, the AQI in Gurugram was recorded in the 'poor' category at 228, while in Ghaziabad and Noida, it was in the 'moderate' category at 129 and 111, respectively
The 24-hour average AQI in Delhi stood at 131 on February 14, slightly better than 134 the day before - making it the best February air since 2022
The AQI in the neighbouring regions of Delhi has also improved significantly
The CAQM's decision comes as the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 286 on February 3, 2025, which is 64 points below the 350 mark required to implement Stage-III measures
The neighbouring regions of Delhi also witnessed a decline in air quality. While Gurugram reported 'poor' air quality at 228, Noida and Ghaziabad recorded 'moderate' AQI at 183 and 193, respectively
IMD has issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog which is expected to disrupt flight, train operations
To combat rising pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital