13 New AQI Monitoring Stations to be Installed in Delhi: Learn What They Are—and Whether One Will Be Set Up in Your Area..

Delhi News: In view of the rising pollution levels in Delhi, the government is set to take a major step. The capital will soon see the installation of 13 new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS). With the help of these stations, residents will be able to access accurate and real-time information regarding the air quality in their respective localities. The government has already identified the locations for these stations, and operations are expected to commence by November 2026. Currently, 47 air monitoring stations are operational across Delhi. With the addition of the new stations, the total count will rise to 60. This will enable air quality monitoring across a wider expanse of Delhi, particularly in areas where air quality data is currently scarce.

What are AQI Monitoring Stations?
AQI, or the Air Quality Index, is a metric used to indicate the quality of the air. It serves to determine whether the air is clean or polluted. CAAQMS—Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations—are facilities designed to continuously measure the levels of pollutants present in the air. These stations record the concentrations of hazardous gases and particulate matter—such as PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Ozone—found in the atmosphere.

The data generated by these stations allows the public to gauge the severity of air pollution in their specific areas. If the AQI levels are particularly poor, residents can take precautionary measures, such as wearing masks, minimizing outdoor exposure, and exercising necessary caution. Furthermore, the government utilizes this very data as a basis for formulating and implementing measures to curb pollution.

In Which Areas Will the New Stations Be Installed?
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will be responsible for installing 10 of these stations. The designated locations are:

Vikas Puri
Narela
Burari
Shastri Park
Badarpur
Chhawla
Ghogha
Rohini Sector-33 / Karala Village
Maidan Garhi
Vasundhara Enclave
Additionally, three stations will be installed by the IITM, Pune.

The following locations have been selected for this purpose:

Jhatikra or Ghummanhera (Najafgarh)
Mungeshpur
Tikri
The government has also designated Jharoda Kalan and Nangloi as backup locations.

Work Expected to Begin by November
The DPCC has issued tenders for these stations. According to officials, the contract will be awarded to a company shortly, and the new stations could become operational by November. The installation of additional monitoring stations will provide accurate data regarding air quality in every part of Delhi and will assist in identifying new pollution hotspots.

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