Delhi AQI Today: Air quality sees minor improvement but still unsafe to breathe; How polluted are Noida and Gurugram?

Delhi woke up to a slightly cleaner morning on Wednesday, but the relief was short-lived, the air remains far from healthy. A thin haze still blankets the city, irritating eyes and throats as residents step outdoors. While the Air Quality Index (AQI) has shown some improvement compared to Tuesday, pollution levels continue to pose serious health risks across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Delhi Air Quality Today: Slight Improvement But Still 'Poor'

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 281 at 7 am, placing it in the “poor” category. This marks a slight improvement from Tuesday’s readings, which were in the “very poor” range. Despite the change, the air remains unsafe for prolonged outdoor exposure, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Among the city’s pollution hotspots, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 280 (“poor”), while Punjabi Bagh logged 224 (“poor”). Interestingly, Dwarka showed some respite with a reading of 188, which falls in the “moderate” range, one of the cleaner pockets in the capital this morning.

Noida Air Quality Today: Moderate In Some Areas, Poor In Others

Neighbouring Noida displayed a mixed picture. At Sector 1, the AQI was recorded at 227 (“poor”), while Sector 62 fared better at 172 (“moderate”). Though slightly better than Delhi’s core regions, the air still remains harmful with high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles dominating the atmosphere. Residents have been advised to avoid early morning walks and outdoor exercise.

Gurugram AQI Today: Pollution Remains 'Very Poor' In Pockets

Gurugram continued to battle deteriorating air quality. Data from CPCB showed Vikas Sadan with an AQI of 300, categorised as “very poor.” The Sector 51 monitoring station reported a slightly better 263 (“poor”), but experts note that fluctuating wind speeds and construction dust continue to worsen local air conditions.

Delhi Pollution Levels: Understanding The AQI Scale

For reference, the Air Quality Index is divided as follows:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

Anything above 200 is considered unsafe, especially for vulnerable groups.

What Authorities Are Doing To Control Delhi’s Pollution

Authorities have intensified anti-pollution measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Truck-mounted water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and road dust control drives are being deployed across major roads and construction zones.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted clear skies with light morning smog, but no strong wind activity is expected, meaning pollution may continue to linger near the surface.

Post-Diwali Smog: Why Delhi’s Air Quality Remains Poor

Since Diwali, Delhi’s air has fluctuated between “poor” and “very poor” categories. Experts attribute this to a mix of firecracker residue, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and falling temperatures that trap pollutants closer to the ground. Despite marginal day-to-day variations, the overall air quality trend remains worrying.

Health Advisory For Delhi-NCR Residents

Doctors recommend limiting outdoor exposure, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollutant levels peak. Using N95 masks, installing air purifiers, and keeping indoor plants like areca palm or snake plant can help reduce health risks. Individuals with asthma or heart problems are advised to carry prescribed medication when stepping out.