City Pockets Hit Delhi Air Quality Levels
Hyderabad: Hyderabad hasn’t made headlines like Delhi for air pollution, but a dusty and dangerous secret lurks beneath the layers of air quality index (AQI) data: parts of Delhi that match its polluted air levels. The only difference is that the authorities are indifferent to warning people of possible dangers and taking steps to prevent pollution.
At at least two points in Hyderabad where AQI is monitored, levels reached and crossed 300 in Hyderabad in the last week of November.
On November 27 and 28, TG Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) data shows that the area around Nehru Zoological Park had AQI of 300 and 305; This puts the entire region in the ‘very poor’ category as per Central Pollution Control Board standards, which can lead to respiratory diseases.
On the same dates, air pollution at Icrisat in Patancheru was reported as AQI of 308 and 283 in the ‘very poor’ and ‘poor’ categories. Even the weak category is classified as one that can cause respiratory illness in humans upon prolonged exposure. Zoo Park and Icrisat locations regularly reported ‘poor’ air quality category on several days in November
Pashamylaram, Bolaram and Sanathnagar are other districts where pollution was assessed as ‘poor’ last month.
For similar AQI indices in Delhi, the government is implementing various measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which include Phase I measures for ‘poor’ AQI categories and Phase II measures for ‘very poor’ AQI categories.
Interestingly, the TGPCB, which has been given the responsibility of monitoring the pollution levels of the air among other responsibilities, operates on the ‘theory’ that since it has 14 public display boards showing air pollution levels, it is assumed that people are careful about what they breathe and will take appropriate steps to protect themselves from the ill effects of high pollution levels.
“As per the current ‘theory’ in the PCB, since the information is there, there is no need for the board to take any further action,” an official from the Pollution Control Board told Deccan Chronicle. “But the reality is that there is definitely a need for a warning system, but that can only happen if there is public pressure.”
Meanwhile, three of the 14 display boards operated by PCB in the city, spread over an area of more than 650 square kilometers, were reportedly under maintenance.
Officials also admit that even if all the boards are working, the problem is that people don’t bother to find out whether people are noticing the data, and if so, how much they understand and what precautionary measures they are taking.
Air Quality Index (AQI) and its meaning
AQI category – Range – Impact
Good – 0-50 – Minimum
Satisfactory – 51-100 – Mild respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals
Moderate – 101-200 – Breathing discomfort in people with lung, asthma and heart disease
Poor – 201-300 – Respiratory discomfort in most people with prolonged exposure
Very weak – 301-400 – Respiratory illness in people with long-term exposure
Severe – over 400 – Affects healthy people and severely affects those with existing diseases
What is Delhi doing under GRAP-I (poor AQI) and GRAP-II (very poor AQI)?
GRAP Phase – I
A 31-point action plan that includes:
Warnings made by the government in newspapers, on TV and radio, on social media, bulk SMS about pollution levels, do’s and don’ts, providing information about measures taken by the government
Seizure of visibly polluting vehicles, strict enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles
Prohibiting the use of coal and wood fire in tandoors in restaurants/restaurants.
Periodic mechanized sweeping of roads, reducing dust pollution by sprinkling water, using anti-smog guns to clean the air
GRAP Phase – II
A 10-item action plan that includes several steps from Phase-I and
Vacuuming the designated roads daily, sprinkling water on the roads, and properly disposing of the accumulated dust
Discourage private transport, impose higher parking fees
Staggered timings of public offices
People will use public transportation
PCB November 2025 data:
@ Nehru Zoo Park
Date – AQI – Category
1 November –– 29 – Good
5 November – 111 – Medium
November 9 – 223 – Bad
November 10 – 227 – Bad
November 12 – 253 – Bad
November 14 – 243 – Bad
November 15 – 293 – Bad
November 16 – 260 – Bad
November 17 – 293 – Bad
November 18 – 287 – Bad
November 19 – 260 – Bad
November 20 – 200 – Bad
November 24 – 217 – Bad
November 25 – 260 – Bad
November 26 – 257 – Bad
November 27 – 300 – Very weak
November 28 – 305 – Very weak
@Icrisat
Date – AQI – Category
1 – 45 November – Good
6 November – 127 – Medium
9 November – 173 – Medium
November 10 – 207 – Bad
November 11 – 230 – Bad
November 12 – 217 – Bad
November 15 – 217 – Bad
November 16 – 247 – Bad
November 17 – 233 – Bad
November 18 – 223 – Bad
November 19 – 253 – Bad
25 November – 153 – Medium
November 26 – 240 – Bad
November 27 – 308 – Very weak
November 28 – 283 – Bad
Other places in the city with poor AQI scores this November:
Pashamylaram, Bolaram, Sanathnagar.
