Delhi witnessed its most polluted February in the last three years, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The city also experienced one of the hottest Februaries in the past three years, raising questions about the potential link between rising temperatures and worsening air quality. For this episode of Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry visited AIIMS, where the nearest monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 169, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. However, data from the Central Pollution Control Board painted a more concerning picture, with the overall AQI in Delhi reaching 208 on Monday morning—classified as ‘poor’—indicating deteriorated air quality across multiple parts of the city. The analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlighted that February 2026 marked the worst pollution levels in the capital during the past three years. The report also noted that the month was unusually warm, suggesting a possible correlation between extreme weather conditions and heightened pollution. While the exact relationship remains under investigation, experts warn that rising temperatures could exacerbate air quality issues by increasing the formation of ground-level ozone and reducing the dispersion of pollutants. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat Delhi’s pollution crisis. The episode of Aaj Ka AQI is part of a broader collaborative campaign aimed at addressing air pollution. The initiative seeks to engage citizens in efforts to improve respiratory health and reduce environmental harm. Participants are encouraged to contribute by adopting cleaner practices and supporting policy measures designed to mitigate pollution.#delhi #centre_for_research_on_energy_and_clean_air #aiims #central_pollution_control_board #aaj_ka_aqi
