Delhi’s overall air quality may still be classified as ‘moderate’, but several neighbourhoods are already breathing considerably dirtier air. On Tuesday morning, the national capital’s Air Quality Index
(AQI) stood at 167, while 15 monitoring stations recorded ‘poor’ air quality, with readings crossing 250 in some areas.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) All India AQI portal, the citywide AQI edged up from 164 at 7.05 am on Monday to 167 at 7 am on Tuesday. Hazy conditions prevailed across the capital, where PM2.5 and PM10 emerged as the dominant pollutants in the city-level readings.
Which Delhi Areas Have The Highest AQI?
The difference between the citywide figure and local readings was evident across Delhi’s monitoring network. Of the 59 stations reporting data, 15 recorded AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category, as reported by Business Standard.
CRRI Mathura Road topped the list with a reading of 253. Jahangirpuri followed at 251, while Rohini registered 237. The AQI stood at 230 in R K Puram and 227 in Mundka. These readings fall into a higher pollution category than Delhi’s overall figure. Under the CPCB’s National Air Quality Index classification, AQI values from 101 to 200 are considered ‘moderate’, while readings between 201 and 300 are classified as ‘poor’.
The citywide average therefore does not tell the complete story of local air quality, with several monitoring locations recording readings above the 200 mark.
AQI Across Delhi-NCR: Gurugram At 165, Noida At 139
The pollution picture across neighbouring NCR cities was also within the moderate range in CPCB readings recorded at 7 am on Tuesday.
Gurugram registered an AQI of 165, placing it close to Delhi’s citywide reading of 167. Noida recorded 139, while Ghaziabad stood at 133. Faridabad reported 117 and Greater Noida 115.
PM2.5 and PM10 were the prominent pollutants in Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. Faridabad differed in this respect, with PM10 identified as its principal pollutant.
The CPCB also recorded an AQI of 147 in the area around India Gate. That reading, too, fell within the moderate category.
PM2.5 And PM10: What The Readings Reveal
Particulate matter is a key component of the pollution measured across the capital and the surrounding region. PM2.5 refers to particles no larger than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs, making exposure a particular concern for health.
PM10 covers particles measuring 10 micrometres or less in diameter. Both types of particulate matter can originate from vehicle exhaust, dust raised by road traffic, construction activity and the burning of fuels.
The prominence of these pollutants in the monitoring data points to particulate pollution as a significant feature of the current air quality situation. However, the principal pollutant identified varies by location, as the readings from Faridabad and other NCR cities demonstrate.
What Delhi’s Moderate And Poor AQI Categories Mean
An AQI in the moderate range does not mean that air pollution poses no health concerns. According to the CPCB’s classification, such conditions can cause breathing discomfort among people with asthma, lung disorders and heart disease.
Locations recording poor air quality fall into the 201-300 AQI band. With 15 of Delhi’s 59 monitoring stations in this category on Tuesday morning, the city’s overall moderate rating masks more concerning conditions in specific areas.
#WATCH | Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area around India Gate is 147, categorised as ‘moderate’, as per the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
Visuals from the area this morning https://t.co/gm0fn3wQKP
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2026
The figures also show why location-specific readings matter when assessing the pollution residents may encounter in their neighbourhoods.
Why GRAP Stage 1 Restrictions Are In Force
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21 after pollution levels deteriorated.
The first stage includes measures aimed at limiting emissions from commercial establishments and backup power generation. Hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries face restrictions on burning coal and firewood in tandoors. The use of diesel generator sets is also restricted, except for essential and emergency purposes.
These measures are intended to address pollution sources as air quality worsens across the region. Tuesday’s CPCB data show that, despite a citywide AQI of 167, several Delhi neighbourhoods continue to experience poor air quality.
