March 2, 2026: Warmer air but AQI still poor

For this episode of Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry visited Saket Metro Station Park in Delhi. The nearest CPCB monitoring station recorded an AQI of 135. But our on-ground device showed a much higher reading of 273 in the poor category.

While temperatures are rising, air quality remains a concern. A drone-based study observed a lingering smog blanket in mid-March, noting unusually high concentrations of harmful particles that ground-level monitors often miss, despite spring conditions that typically help disperse pollution.

Delhi Environment and Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had said there’s no fixed deadline to fix the crisis, though the government aims to reduce pollution by 10-15 percent annually. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed that the problem cannot be solved overnight.

But as every winter turns Delhi into a gas chamber, the question remains: where does clean air rank among the capital’s real priorities?

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.