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

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

Air is considered polluted depending on its quality, measured by the 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 the AQI of their surroundings or the city they live in?

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

AQI (Air Quality Index): One of the 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 advice based on their location and AQI levels.

AirVisual: This is another 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 the Google Play Store.

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

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

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