Delhi Records Average AQI of 308 as Nine Other Locations Across India Exceed National Capital's Pollution Levels

New Delhi recorded an average air quality index (AQI) of 308 at 11 AM on Wednesday, which was marginally higher than the previous day's average of 299. Despite this figure, the national capital stood at the bottom of the top ten most polluted places in the country during the observation.

Data from monitoring stations indicated that nine other locations across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh—namely Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Panchgaon, Baghpat, Ballabgarh, Karnal, Anpara, and Bulandshahr—recorded AQI levels between 310 and 393. Notably, Delhi's Chhawla monitoring station recorded an AQI of 404, surpassing Sirsa, which was recorded as the top polluted town at 395 during the same hour.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) addressed criticism regarding its policy of not displaying actual pollution levels beyond an AQI of 500. The agency stated that readings at or above 500 represent the 'Severe' category, which indicates similar health risks such as respiratory effects on healthy individuals and serious health impacts for those with lung diseases. According to the CPCB, showing figures beyond 500 does not add functional value to understanding the severity.

Addressing concerns about withheld data from specific monitoring stations, the CPCB explained that AQI is computed in near real time through an automated system. However, records showed instances where specific pollutant data, such as PM 2.5 in Anand Vihar during the night of November 8-9, and PM 10 data, were not disseminated for several hours. Experts previously alleged that such gaps point toward human intervention, while the CPCB attributed occasional data gaps during extreme episodes—such as Diwali firecracker bursting—to technical factors that do not contribute to the 24-hour average.

The regulatory body further noted that Indian AQI methodologies align with those used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and China. The CPCB emphasized that the highest sub-index among eight pollutants is taken as the hourly AQI, and that prolonged exposure serves as a more relevant indicator of health impacts than momentary readings.

Commenting on discrepancies with global platforms and private entities, the CPCB stated that external organizations often rely on low-cost sensors and instantaneous hourly readings with different calibration breakpoints. It asserted that such values cannot be directly compared with the National Air Quality Index, which relies on calibrated, quality-assured 24-hour and 8-hour averaged data.

"Environmental challenges and regulatory data transparency directly impact business operations, workplace productivity, and regional logistics in urban centers like Delhi. As monitoring standards and compliance frameworks evolve, businesses operating in heavily affected regions must account for environmental risks in their long-term continuity planning. Maintaining accurate, standardized data reporting remains vital for both public health awareness and industrial preparedness." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes