March 9, 2026: ‘Moderate’ AQI at AIIMS, ‘poor’ for Delhi

For this episode of Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry visited AIIMS. The nearest monitoring system pegged the AQI at 169, or in the ‘moderate’ category. 

However, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall AQI in the national capital stood at 208, or in the ‘poor’ category, on Monday morning, indicating deteriorated air quality levels across several parts of the city.

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 (CREA). It was also one of the hottest Februaries in the past three years. And the two may be connected.

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.