Delhi Grapples With ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality As AQI Hits 377

Delhi continued to struggle with extremely poor air quality on Thursday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 377, keeping the national capital firmly in the ‘very poor’ category.

While there has been a slight improvement compared with previous days, pollution levels remain dangerously high, raising concerns over public health and daily life.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed alarming readings at several locations. The Swaminarayan Akshardham area registered an AQI of 377, ITO recorded 331, and AIIMS reported 359.

Other parts of the city, such as Anand Vihar (379), Ashok Vihar (333), Wazirpur (336), Punjabi Bagh (338), RK Puram (359), Bawana (323), Chandni Chowk (361), and Dwarka Sector 8 (342), also remained in the ‘very poor’ category.

On Wednesday, CPCB’s Sameer app indicated that 29 monitoring stations recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, while nine stations fell under the ‘poor’ category, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis during the winter season.

Government Measures and Traffic Regulations

The Delhi government announced that it will double parking charges at authorised sites when AQI reaches the ‘severe’ range (401–450) or ‘severe plus’ (above 450) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The aim is to discourage private vehicle use and reduce vehicular emissions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently revoked GRAP Stage IV restrictions after a marginal improvement, though officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Adding to the city’s woes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported moderate to dense fog, with temperatures hovering around 7.4°C at 7 AM.

The India Meteorological Department expects cloudy skies throughout the day and forecasts light rain with possible thunderstorms across Delhi and the National Capital Region. Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph may accompany the showers.

Dense fog and cold wave conditions persisted across North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Adampur recorded a minimum temperature of 2.6°C, making it the coldest location in the plains. Reduced visibility due to fog increases the risk of road accidents, while chilly conditions continue in parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Toxic Air Persists Across Delhi-NCR As Cold Wave Loses Grip