Understanding Air Quality Index in Detail
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to communicate how clean or polluted the air is in a specific area. The AQI helps us understand the potential health risks associated with air pollution. It measures the concentration of various pollutants in the air, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse air quality and greater health risks.
The AQI is divided into six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern:
Air Quality Index (AQI) Categories
| AQI Range | Category | Health Impact | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | The air is clean and presents minimum to zero health risk. It's safe for everyone to go about their daily activities outdoors. | No precautions are needed; everyone can enjoy outdoor activities freely. |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Air quality is generally acceptable. Most people will remain unaffected, though unusually sensitive individuals could notice minor breathing discomfort. | Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma should reduce extended periods of outdoor physical activity. |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | People with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and older adults may begin to feel effects such as difficulty breathing or coughing. The general public faces little to no risk at this stage. | Sensitive individuals should reduce or avoid outdoor physical activities, especially those that are strenuous or long in duration. |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Health effects may become widespread, with vulnerable groups facing higher risks. Common symptoms may include irritation in the eyes, throat, or lungs, and breathing discomfort. | People with existing health issues and active individuals should avoid outdoor exertion. Children and other vulnerable individuals should reduce time outdoors and refrain from physical exertion. |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy | This level indicates a health alert. The air quality has reached levels that are likely to affect the entire population, not just sensitive groups. | All individuals, especially those with health conditions, should avoid outdoor activities entirely. Everyone should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. |
| 301+ | Hazardous | This is a critical air pollution level with emergency health warnings. Serious health effects are expected for everyone, even after short exposure. | Outdoor activities should be avoided by everyone. Remain indoors with windows closed and use air purifiers if available. Those with health problems should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. |
Now that we have a clear understanding of what AQI means, let’s explore the air quality in various cities across of India.
Delhi AQI Today
Delhi, one of India’s largest and most populous cities, frequently struggles with poor air quality, especially during winter. The AQI in Delhi today can often be classified as “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous”, particularly in the colder months when pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning in neighboring states (such as Punjab and Haryana) intensifies.
Currently, the Delhi air quality index is around 250, which is considered “Very Unhealthy”. This means that everyone, including healthy individuals, could begin to experience health effects. It is strongly advised to stay indoors and wear masks if you need to go outside. The air quality in Delhi has been a growing concern for both residents and policymakers, with long-term exposure leading to severe respiratory and heart diseases.
Faridabad AQI
Faridabad, located near Delhi, faces similar pollution challenges. Being part of the National Capital Region (NCR), Faridabad’s air quality is often affected by the same sources of pollution as Delhi. Today, the AQI in Faridabad is approximately 180, which is categorized as “Unhealthy”. Children, the elderly people and those having heart or lung problems, should not go outside too much.
Ghaziabad AQI
Ghaziabad, another city in the NCR, often experiences extremely poor air quality, especially in the winter. The Ghaziabad air quality index today stands at around 250, which places it in the “Very Unhealthy” range. The situation is dire enough that even healthy individuals may experience health effects. Residents are urged to stay indoors to avoid breathing in harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides.
Gurgaon AQI
Gurgaon (also known as Gurugram), a fast-developing city in the NCR, faces similar pollution issues due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and high traffic density. Currently, the AQI Gurgaon is at 220, which falls under the “Very Unhealthy” category. It is crucial for people with pre-existing health conditions to stay indoors or wear masks when venturing outdoors.
Noida AQI
Noida, like its neighboring cities, faces high levels of pollution. With a population of over a million people, industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and construction dust contribute to the poor air quality. The Noida air quality index today is around 210, putting it in the “Very Unhealthy” range. It is best to limit outdoor exposure, particularly during peak pollution hours.
Chandigarh AQI
Chandigarh, the cleanest city in India, still faces some pollution, especially in peak months. Though it typically enjoys better air quality compared to other cities in India, the AQI Chandigarh today is around 150, which is categorized as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in these conditions.
Mumbai AQI
Mumbai, a major coastal city, has comparatively better air quality than many other Indian cities, thanks to its proximity to the sea and more stringent pollution control measures. However, Mumbai’s AQI is still moderate. Currently, the Mumbai AQI is about 120, which places it in the “Moderate” category. While it is generally safe for most people to go outside, sensitive individuals, such as those with asthma, may experience slight discomfort.
Navi Mumbai AQI
Navi Mumbai, located next to Mumbai, also experiences air pollution, but the levels are somewhat lower. The Navi Mumbai AQI is currently 100, which falls into the “Moderate” category. Most people can go about their daily activities without concern, but those with respiratory problems should take extra precautions.
Goregaon AQI (Mumbai Suburb)
Goregaon, another suburb of Mumbai, experiences air quality similar to that of central Mumbai. The AQI in Goregaon today is approximately 110, which also falls under the “Moderate” category. As with other areas in Mumbai, most residents can carry on with their daily activities, but sensitive individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Kalyan AQI
Kalyan, located near Mumbai, has a Kalyan AQI of about 120, which is classified as “Moderate”. The air quality is acceptable for most people, but those with respiratory issues should be cautious when going outside.
Bhiwadi AQI
Bhiwadi, an industrial town near Delhi, suffers from pollution, especially from factories and vehicles. The air quality index in Bhiwadi is around 150, which places it in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. Vulnerable groups should limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.
Vrindavan AQI
Vrindavan, a town in Uttar Pradesh, has an AQI Vrindavan of about 160, which falls into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. Those with respiratory problems should avoid prolonged outdoor activities to minimize health risks.
Sonipat AQI
Sonipat, a city in Haryana, has a Sonipat AQI of approximately 180, which places it in the “Unhealthy” category. Everyone, especially people with lung conditions, should avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Rohtak AQI
Rohtak, also in Haryana, faces high pollution levels, with an AQI of around 200. This means the air is considered “Very Unhealthy”, and people are advised to stay indoors, especially if they belong to sensitive groups.
Bangalore AQI
Bangalore, known for its pleasant weather, still experiences some air pollution due to rapid urbanization and traffic. The air quality index in Bangalore today is around 85, which falls in the “Moderate” category. While it’s generally safe for most people, sensitive individuals may experience mild symptoms like irritation in the eyes or throat.
Conclusion: The Importance of Monitoring AQI
As we’ve seen, AQI levels vary greatly across India, with some cities like Delhi, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad facing very high pollution levels. On the other hand, cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh have relatively better air quality, although air pollution is still a concern in these areas as well. It’s important to regularly check the AQI for your area and take necessary precautions, especially if you belong to a sensitive group or live in a city with poor air quality.
By being informed about the Air Quality Index in your area, you can take steps to protect your health, such as limiting outdoor activities, wearing masks, and staying indoors during high pollution periods.