NEW DELHI: Delhi's air quality remained lodged in the poor category for the third straight day on Thursday morning, though the overall air quality index (AQI) slipped further to 285, just below the 301 threshold that pushes conditions into the very poor bracket, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.
As of 7 a.m., at least ten monitoring stations across the city registered AQI levels above 300, placing them in the very poor range.
At Anand Vihar, the AQI stood at 300, Ashok Vihar 328, Chandni Chowk 305, and ITO 309.
Noida's overall AQI was recorded at 294 (Poor), and sector-wise AQI ranged from 246 to 331, while Greater Noida's Knowledge Parks 3 and 5 recorded AQI levels of 235 and 331, respectively.
The city's 24-hour average AQI on Wednesday stood at 259, showing a slight improvement from Tuesday's reading of 282. After nine consecutive days of air quality dipping into the very poor zone, the capital recorded some relief on Tuesday, and due to stronger daytime winds on Wednesday, conditions managed to remain within the poor category for the second day in a row.