Delhi marks second-longest streak of ‘very poor’ air days

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained above 300 for the 23rd consecutive day, the second-longest spell of ‘very poor’ or worse air days since 2019, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

- Snehil Sinha

At 4pm, when the CPCB releases its daily national bulletin, the Capital's average AQI registered at 369. The current streak began on November 6, and has included three days of “severe” air between November 11 and 13.

The longest streak came last year, when Delhi logged 32 consecutive days of ‘very poor’ or worse air between October 30 and November 30, including a peak of 494 (severe) on November 18.

The CPCB classifies air as ‘good’ when AQI is 50 or lower; ‘satisfactory’ between 51 and 100; ‘moderate’ between 101 and 200; ‘poor’ between 201 and 300; ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400; and ‘severe’ when it exceeds 400.