March 12, 2026: ‘Severe’ AQI for Safdarjung patients

In this episode of Aaj Ka AQI, we visit the area around Safdarjung Hospital, located next to one of Delhi’s busiest intersections. 

Using our own portable air quality monitor, we recorded an AQI of over 400, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. But the nearest official monitoring station showed a very different number – 249, categorised as ‘poor’.

Why is there such a gap between the readings? And what does it say about how air pollution is measured in a city like New Delhi? 

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.