Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates Ahead of Diwali as AQI Slips into ‘Poor’ Category

Delhi-NCR Air Quality: Air quality across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) remained alarmingly high on Friday, with the capital recording its fourth consecutive day in the 'poor' category as pollution levels surge in the run-up to Diwali.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 254 for Delhi at 4 pm. However, the situation was grimmer in the neighbouring NCR cities.

Among the neighbouring NCR cities, Ghaziabad recorded a 'very poor' AQI of 306, the worst in the country on Friday. Noida (278) and Gurugram (266) also registered 'poor' air quality, while Faridabad (105) remained in the "moderate" range.

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Ghaziabad registered a 'very poor' AQI of 306, making it the most polluted city in the country on Friday. Noida (278) and Gurugram (266) also suffered 'poor' air, placing the entire cluster among India's top polluted areas. Only Faridabad offered a slight reprieve, settling in the 'moderate' range at 105.

Meanwhile, Hapur saw an AQI of 265 (poor) in, Ballabhgarh 254 (poor), Greater Noida 246 (poor) and Faridabad 105 (moderate).

Among them, Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 382, followed by Wazirpur (351), Bawana 315, Jahangirpuri (342), and Siri Fort 309, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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Transport emissions remained the largest contributor to Delhi's air pollution on Thursday, accounting for 18.7 per cent of total emissions, based on data from the Decision Support System. No respite is expected, as the Air Quality Early Warning System forecast indicates similar air quality for the coming days in Delhi, as reported by HT earlier.

Delhi weather forecast: maximum temperature was recorded at 32.6 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.4 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees below normal.

The relative humidity was 74 per cent at 8.30 am and 61 per cent at 5.30 pm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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