Delhi's Air Quality Approaching 'Poor' Category as Winter Season Begins

The national capital last recorded a "poor" AQI in June, according to available data. (File)

New Delhi:

With winter's chill beginning to descend upon Delhi, the city is preparing for the annual spike in air pollution levels. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 199, just shy of entering the 'poor' category.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius, which was 1.6 degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 30.3 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees below normal.

By 4 pm, Delhi's AQI remained in the "moderate" range at 199. An AQI reading between 201 and 300 is classified as "poor." Data indicates that Delhi has not experienced "poor" air quality since June.

The Decision Support System (DSS) data revealed that the transport sector continues to be the primary contributor to Delhi's pollution, responsible for 17.9 percent of total emissions.

Satellite monitoring on Saturday detected stubble burning incidents across the region, with 14 cases reported in Punjab, one in Haryana, and 42 in the neighboring UP-NCR region.

For Sunday, the IMD forecasts predominantly clear skies with temperatures expected to range between 19 and 31 degrees Celsius.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good," 51 to 100 "satisfactory," 101 to 200 "moderate," 201 to 300 "poor," 301 to 400 "very poor," and 401 to 500 "severe."