IIT Delhi recorded an AQI of 487, the highest in the reported station readings, followed by Chandni Chowk and North Campus at 476 each. Screengrab: ANI
Delhi AQI turns 'severe' at 403 as thick smog blankets city
Pollution levels have risen steadily since Diwali, with 33 of the capital's 58 monitoring stations reporting 'Severe' air quality on Friday, according to CPCB data
The air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘Severe’ category on Friday (November 13), with the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 403. The national capital was covered by a thick layer of smog as temperatures fell, leaving residents to wake up to hazy skies and poor visibility.
Delhi AQI trend since Diwali
The development follows a steady rise in pollution levels in the days after Diwali celebrations on November 8. Delhi's AQI was 299, classified as 'Poor', on November 10. It climbed to 313 the next day, entering the 'Very Poor' category. By November 12, the reading had reached 350, reported NDTV.
Also Read: Watch | Delhi AQI mystery: Why did air monitors go silent on Diwali night?
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that 33 of Delhi's 58 monitoring stations had recorded 'Severe' air quality, adding that several locations reported readings above 450.
IIT Delhi records AQI of 487, highest among stations
IIT Delhi recorded an AQI of 487, the highest in the reported station readings, followed by Chandni Chowk and North Campus at 476 each. Pusa registered 468, while Jaffarpur recorded 461.
A separate set of individual station readings listed IIT at 488, Chandni Chowk at 479 and North Campus, Delhi University, at 478. Burari Crossing recorded 456. ITO and JNU both stood at 451.
Also Read: Political blame game erupts as Delhi's air pollution hits record levels
Other locations in the 'Severe' bracket included Jahangirpuri at 430, Wazirpur at 427, Anand Vihar at 419 and Rohini at 413. IGI Airport's Terminal 3 recorded 403, while Tikri Kalan stood at 402.
Sri Aurobindo Marg reported an AQI of 392, while Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded 374.
What is 'Severe' category
Under CPCB's classification, readings from 0 to 50 fall in the 'Good' category, 51 to 100 are 'Satisfactory', and 101 to 200 are 'Moderate'.
The 'Poor' range covers 201 to 300, while 301 to 400 is 'Very Poor'. An AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as 'Severe'. At this level, even healthy people can be affected, while those with existing diseases face serious health effects.