Delhi Records AQI of 187, but Several Areas Remain Highly Polluted; White Foam Returns to Yamuna

Despite a slight improvement in the overall reading, several monitoring stations still reported elevated pollution levels.

Air quality varied considerably across the city, with some locations recording relatively lower pollution while others remained in the ‘poor’ category.

Burari recorded an AQI of 128, followed by Badarpur at 125, Nangloi at 150, JNU at 157 and Mandir Marg at 165.

In contrast, Jahangirpuri registered an AQI of 251, while R.K. Puram recorded 233 and CRRI Mathura Road reported 231. Other areas with elevated readings included Punjabi Bagh at 229, Narela at 227, Mundka at 226 and Vivek Vihar at 240.

Uttam Nagar and Sirifort both recorded AQI levels of 215, while Dwarka Sector 8 registered 207. Patparganj and Sonia Vihar reported readings of 202 each, and Rohini recorded 200.

GRAP Stage 1 Measures in Force Across Delhi-NCR

Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, continues to be a key concern amid varying pollution levels across the capital.

To prevent further deterioration, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21.

Measures under the first stage include restrictions on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries. Diesel generator sets are also subject to restrictions, with exceptions for essential and emergency requirements.

The measures are intended to curb pollution sources and prevent air quality from deteriorating further.

White Foam Reappears on Yamuna Near Kalindi Kunj

Alongside concerns over air pollution, thick white foam has reappeared on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj, drawing attention to the persistent challenge of water pollution in the river.

The development has renewed concerns about the condition of the Yamuna even as the government highlights ongoing efforts to rejuvenate it.

The foam has appeared days after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised initiatives aimed at restoring the river and described the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹9,000 crore as a positive occasion for residents.

The latest developments highlight the parallel environmental challenges facing the national capital, with air quality varying sharply across neighbourhoods and pollution in the Yamuna remaining a continuing concern.