🌍 India Air Quality Dashboard

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) in India

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized metric used to communicate how polluted the air currently is—or how polluted it is forecast to become. It helps you understand the impact of air pollution on your health in a simple and clear way.

💡 What Do AQI Categories Mean?

• Good (0–50): Air quality is considered satisfactory and poses little or no risk.
• Satisfactory (51–100): Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a risk for some sensitive individuals.
• Moderate (101–200): Sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
• Poor (201–300): Health effects may be experienced by everyone; sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
• Very Poor (301–400): Serious health effects and potential respiratory issues for the general population.
• Severe (401–500+): Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

🔍 Common Pollutants Tracked in India

The AQI in India is calculated based on several pollutants. The key contributors include:

• PM2.5 (Particulate Matter < 2.5 microns): Fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
• PM10 (Particulate Matter < 10 microns): Coarse particles that can cause respiratory problems.
• NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide): Emitted from vehicles and industrial activity; harmful to the lungs.
• CO (Carbon Monoxide): A colorless, odorless gas that can be dangerous in high concentrations.
• O₃ (Ozone): Formed from pollutants in sunlight; affects lungs and respiratory systems.
• SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide): A gas from burning fossil fuels, especially coal; irritates the respiratory tract.

📍 Why Monitor AQI Daily?

Monitoring AQI can help you:

• Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days
• Protect children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions
• Plan travel or commuting routes that avoid highly polluted zones

📊 How Are City AQI Averages Calculated at AQI Tracker?

In India, most cities have multiple air quality monitoring stations located in different neighborhoods. These stations record pollutant levels independently. To provide a city-level snapshot of air quality, we calculate the average AQI by:

1. Collecting AQI values from all active stations within a city.
2. Excluding stations where AQI data is missing or not updated.
3. Averaging the valid AQI values to arrive at a representative AQI number for the city.

This method helps ensure the reported AQI reflects a **composite view of pollution** across various city zones. It avoids bias from just one monitoring station and gives you a more balanced understanding of the city’s air quality.

Note: Actual AQI at your specific location may vary due to traffic, industrial areas, green cover, or wind patterns.

Data is updated regularly to reflect real-time conditions. Stay informed, stay safe, and make informed decisions with our India AQI Dashboard.