Delhi gasps for breath with ‘severe plus’ air quality; Ahmedabad, Bengaluru least polluted among major cities

Schools were instructed to hold online classes for most grades. The AQI escalation was attributed to unfavourable weather, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of 16.2°C and dense fog predicted by the IMD.

For the next five days, the AQI is expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ category.

Pollution levels across India:

Patna: Ranked among the most polluted, Patna’s air quality index (AQI) reached 321 on Monday morning, categorized as ‘very poor,’ posing significant health risks for its residents.

Lucknow: With an AQI of 301, the city falls under the ‘very poor’ category, making outdoor activities hazardous.
Moderate Air Quality:

Pune: Recorded an AQI of 117, falling in the ‘moderate’ range. This air quality is acceptable, however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Hyderabad: At 141 AQI, the city’s air also remains ‘moderate,’ posing potential health concerns for vulnerable populations.

Mumbai: Registered an AQI of 128, another ‘moderate’ reading.

Kolkata: With an AQI of 161, the city’s air is classified as ‘moderate,’ although prolonged exposure may affect sensitive individuals.

Cleaner air in southern and western India:

Bengaluru: A rare bright spot, Bengaluru’s AQI of 92 places it in the ‘satisfactory’ category, with minimal health risks.

Ahmedabad: The cleanest air among major cities, Ahmedabad’s AQI of 62 is also in the ‘satisfactory’ range, offering respite amid widespread pollution concerns.