Jan 15, 2026: Visitors to Delhi’s Qutub Minar breathe in ‘very poor’ air

For today’s episode of Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry visited the Qutub Minar – a landmark heritage site in the national capital. The nearest CPCB air quality monitoring station pegged the AQI at 317 in the “very poor” category, while our own monitor showed 380.

According to 2024-25 data from the Archaeological Survey of India, the Qutub Minar ranks third among the top 10 most visited monuments in the country. The UNESCO World Heritage Site witnessed 3.20 million domestic and 0.22 million foreign visitors in 2024, according to ASI data. 

Meanwhile, in other parts of Delhi, the CPCB recorded the following AQI levels: Anand Vihar at 330, Bawana at 371, Chandni Chowk at 375, IGI Airport at 322, ITO at 371, Mundka at 379, Narela at 343, and Wazirpur at 379. In all these locations, AQI was in the “very poor” category.   

This show is part of a collaborative campaign to tackle air pollution. Here’s how you can join the Fight To Breathe. Click here to power this campaign.