Live AQI Updates for India – How to Read, Track, and Stay Safe

If you’ve ever wondered what that green, orange, or red number on your phone means, you’re not alone. AQI, short for Air Quality Index, tells you how clean or polluted the air is right now. It’s a quick way to see if it’s safe to jog, open windows, or let kids play outside.

In India, AQI numbers are calculated from pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3. The higher the number, the worse the health impact. A score under 50 is “Good,” 51‑100 is “Moderate,” 101‑200 is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” 201‑300 is “Unhealthy,” and anything above 300 is “Hazardous.” Knowing which bracket you’re in helps you decide whether to wear a mask or stay indoors.

Checking AQI in Real Time

Getting live AQI data is easy. The Indian government runs the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal, and many free apps pull that data straight to your phone. Just type your city or pin code and you’ll see a number, a colour bar, and a short health tip. Popular apps like AirVisual, AQICN, and even Google search now show the current AQI when you type “AQI Delhi” or “AQI Mumbai”.

If you want a quick glance without an app, search “AQI ” on Google. The result box shows the index, the main pollutant, and a recommendation (e.g., “limit outdoor activity”). You can also set up alerts so you get a notification whenever the AQI spikes above a threshold you choose.

What to Do When AQI Gets Bad

When the AQI hits “Unhealthy” or worse, take a few simple steps. Close windows and doors, run air purifiers if you have them, and avoid heavy exercise outdoors. A N95 mask blocks most fine particles, so keep one handy if you need to step out. Kids, elderly, and people with asthma should stay indoors until the air clears.

Cooking with a range hood, avoiding smoke from incense or crackers, and keeping indoor plants that absorb pollutants (like snake plant or spider plant) can help improve indoor air quality. If you notice the AQI staying high for several days, consider checking local news for government advisories, such as school closures or traffic restrictions.

Remember, AQI is a snapshot, not a long‑term forecast. For trends, look at weekly or monthly averages on the CPCB website. Those numbers help you see if pollution is getting worse during certain seasons, like the winter months when temperature inversions trap smog over cities like Delhi and Kanpur.

On a personal level, small habits add up. Using public transport, car‑pooling, or biking reduces vehicle emissions, which are a major source of PM2.5. Supporting clean‑energy initiatives and using energy‑efficient appliances can also lower the overall pollution that feeds the AQI.

Finally, share what you learn. If you notice a sudden rise in AQI, warn friends and family, especially those with health conditions. Community awareness can push local authorities to act faster, whether it’s issuing a temporary ban on construction dust or launching a tree‑planting drive.

Stay ahead of the air you breathe. Check the AQI daily, follow the health tips, and make tiny changes that protect you and the environment. With the right info, you’ll know exactly when it’s safe to step outside and when it’s better to stay in and breathe easy.