Ballabhgarh tops the pollution rankings with an AQI of 419, Delhi second at 403 | Today’s news
Ballabhgarh in Haryana recorded the highest level of air pollution among major cities in the Delhi-NCR region, with an air quality index (AQI) of 419. Delhi closely followed with an AQI of 403 at 7:05 am on Friday, placing both in the severe category according to SAMEER, the official mobile application developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Ghaziabad was the third most polluted city, recording an AQI of 379, followed by Noida at 368 and Khora in Uttar Pradesh at 358. Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 356, while Gurugram and Manesar recorded readings of 351 and 350, respectively.
Panchgaon in Haryana recorded an AQI of 346, while Bahadurgarh reported the lowest value among the 10 cities at 323.
The data indicated that air pollution remained very low to severe in several parts of the National Capital Region, with all 10 cities recording AQI levels above 300.
Hard reading
According to India’s AQI classification, values between 301 and 400 fall into the “very poor” category, while values above 400 are classified as “severe”. Thus, Ballabhgarh and Delhi were in the severe category, while the remaining eight cities recorded very poor air quality.
Several air quality monitoring stations in Delhi also recorded AQI levels above 400 at 7:05 am on Friday, indicating poor air quality.
Areas with high pollution levels included Anand Vihar (419), Ashok Vihar (404), Aya Nagar (433), Badarpur (403), Bawana (413), Burari Crossing (456), Chandni Chowk (479), Chhawla (425), Commonwealth Sports Complex (451), Dr Karni Singh Road (Dr Karni Singh). Shooting Range (404), DTU Delhi (443), IGI Airport (403), IIT Delhi (488), ITO Delhi (451), Jahangirpuri (430), JNU (451), Mundka (435), Nehru Nagar (414), NIH Narela (445), North JaUT, Delhi Campus (University of JaUT 94), Bag48, University of Delhi (456), Pusa (469), Rohini (413), Sirifort (418), Sonia Vihar (409), Talkatora Garden (436), Tikri Kalan (402), Vasundhara Enclave (431), Vivek Vihar (424) and Wazirpur (427).
The concentration of highly polluted cities in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi highlights the growing problem of air quality in northern India. The rise in pollution levels has renewed concerns about air quality in the region and the need for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.
Understanding AQI
According to the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 falls under the “good” category, which means minimal impact on health. A value between 51 and 100 is classified as “satisfactory”, while an AQI of 101-200 falls into the “moderate” category.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is categorized as “poor”, which can cause breathing difficulties for people with prolonged exposure, especially those with respiratory problems. Another category, “very bad,” includes values between 301 and 400 and is associated with respiratory disease with long-term exposure, even in healthy people.
The highest category, “severe,” refers to AQI levels between 401 and 500. At these pollution levels, even healthy people can experience respiratory effects, while those with existing medical conditions may face more severe effects.
Limitation of GRAP
Phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in force in Delhi-NCR, with further vehicle restrictions and dust control measures in place from 1 November 2026. GRAP is a set of emergency measures aimed at preventing further deterioration of air quality. Restrictions are imposed in phases based on specified pollution levels and prevailing air quality.
Under the third phase, the movement of light motor vehicles (LMVs), including four-wheelers, meeting BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel emission norms or below has been banned in Delhi and NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The restrictions also include a ban on dust-generating construction and demolition activities throughout the NCR. Additionally, BS-IV and older diesel medium trucks registered in Delhi are banned from plying, while similar medium and light trucks registered outside Delhi are banned from entering the state capital.
