What Is AQI? AQI Full Form, PM2.5 & PM10 Explained — and What It Means for Construction Sites in Delhi NCR
AQI full form is Air Quality Index. Learn what AQI, PM2.5 and PM10 mean, the AQI categories used in India, and why construction sites in Delhi NCR must monitor them with AQI sensors on the dust portal.
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is one number that tells you how clean or polluted the air is right now. In India the scale runs from 0 to 500: the lower the number, the cleaner the air.
AQI full form and how it is calculated
The full form of AQI is Air Quality Index. In India it is worked out from several pollutants, but around Delhi NCR the number is usually driven by fine dust — PM2.5 and PM10. The pollutant with the worst reading decides the final AQI.
AQI categories in India
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
What are PM2.5 and PM10?
PM means particulate matter — tiny bits of dust and smoke in the air. PM10 particles are up to 10 micrometres wide and come mostly from digging, cutting, loose soil and vehicles on dusty roads. PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometres or smaller, fine enough to go deep into the lungs, and come from smoke, vehicle exhaust and very fine dust.
Why construction sites must track AQI
Construction and demolition dust is one of the biggest sources of PM10 in NCR. Because of this, DPCC in Delhi, HSPCB in Haryana, UPPCB in Uttar Pradesh and RSPCB in Rajasthan ask eligible sites to install an outdoor AQI sensor (PM2.5/PM10 sensor) and stream its data live to the dust portal, along with a PTZ camera. When AQI reaches the Poor, Very Poor or Severe bands, GRAP restrictions start and inspections increase.
AQI sensor, AQI monitor, dust sensor — which one do you need?
For a site, these names all point to the same job: a weather-proof outdoor monitor that measures PM2.5 and PM10 all day and sends data to the board. Smaller sites may qualify for a low cost PM sensor; larger ones may need a CPCB-listed AQI sensor or a full ambient air quality monitoring system. A handheld AQI meter is useful for spot checks but does not meet portal rules.
How we help
Garg Infratech & Consultants supplies and installs AQI sensors, low cost PM sensors and PTZ cameras, connects them to the DPCC, HSPCB, UPPCB and RSPCB dust portals, and files monthly audit reports. Call 8368180378 for a free site visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of AQI?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index — a 0 to 500 scale that shows how polluted the air is.
What is a good AQI level?
0–50 is Good and 51–100 is Satisfactory. Above 200 is Poor, and above 400 is Severe.
Do construction sites need an AQI sensor?
Yes, eligible sites in Delhi NCR must install an outdoor PM2.5/PM10 sensor linked to their pollution board's dust portal, along with a PTZ camera.
Need help with this on your site?
Talk to our compliance team for a free site visit anywhere in Delhi NCR.