Monitor the Air: Best Apps to Check Real-Time AQI in India

North India, specifically capital city of Delhi and joining areas, is suffering from heavily toxic air pollution, attributed to increase of stubble burning, firecracker burning, and vehicular emissions. government has declared situation a national emergency, while Supreme Court has instructed authorities to leave no stone unturned in ir efforts to minimise pollution.

Air is considered polluted depending on its quality, measured by Air Quality Index or AQI. It has six categories, each with a different concern level:

1. Good, when AQI is between 0 and 50.
2. Moderate, when AQI ranges from 51 to 100.
3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, if AQI is between 101 and 150.
4. Unhealthy, when AQI is between 151 and 200.
5. Very Unhealthy, if AQI is 201-300.
6. Hazardous, if AQI is 400-500.

But how can a user check AQI of ir surroundings or city y live in?

While AQIs are assessed by national agencies, several ways source information to offer relevant information about a city or even a closed area's AQI. Here are best apps for real-time AQI monitoring in India:

AQI (Air Quality Index): One of most reliable apps, AQI sources information from over 10,500 monitoring stations worldwide, including those in India. Its interface is simple and offers historical data for a region. Users can also check personalised health vice based on ir location and AQI levels.

AirVisual: This is anor popular air quality monitoring app that offers detailed information on various pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and O3, in an area. It is available from Google Play Store.

SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Wear Forecasting and Research): Developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), SAFAR is one of most reliable apps that provides accurate information on air and its quality in major Indian cities. app also lists pollution sources and ways to minimise health impact.

Google Maps, Google App: Google offers a holistic approach to tracking air through multiple apps. Users can see AQI for ir area in Google Maps, while Google Wear app also provides relevant information on air quality.

Apple Wear: Wear app on iPhone and or Apple devices sources information from various air monitoring agencies to provide a detailed view of air quality, dominant pollutants, and ways to reduce exposure.