The AQI in the national capital dipped into the 'very poor' category on Monday.
Delhi's 24-hour average AQI at 7:15 a.m. on Monday was recorded at 307, which falls in the 'very poor' category, the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.
In most areas in the capital, the AQI stayed in the 'very poor' category, while the highest level was reported at Anand Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 367.
Other areas witnessed AQI levels like at Alipur 314, Ashok Vihar at 331, Aya Nagar at 316, Bawana at 358, Burari Crossing at 352, Dwarka Sector 8 at 324, Jahangirpuri at 345, Major Dhyanchand Stadium at 308, Mandir Marg at 306, Mundka at 332, Narela at 321, Nehru Nagar at 329, North Camp DU at 313, Patparganj at 308, Punjabi Bagh at 330, RK Puram at 343, Rohini at 344, Shadipur at 314, Wazirpur at 350, Vivek Vihar at 320, Sonia Vihar at 335 and Siri Fort at 306.
The AQI scale is defined by: 0-50 is "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe".
The Delhi government has put in place a coordination committee that will strive to reduce pollution levels at 13 hotspots across the city. The coordination committee started doing its on-ground work on Saturday, enumerating local sources of pollution in these areas. The 13 hotspots include Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, RK Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Mayapuri, and Dwarka Sector 8.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has voiced fears of the health risks bestowed upon by the growing pollution and insisted that local sources of pollution need to be addressed rapidly.
To contain the pollution, the Delhi government has banned the manufacture, storage, selling, and consumption of firecrackers till 1st January, 2025 to reduce levels of air pollution during the winter season.
Delhi ranks as one of the most polluted spots in the world throughout the year, though the conditions sink to very bad air quality during winter, primarily due to crop residue burning and low wind speeds combined with widespread firecracker bursting during festival times.
