Delhi-NCR Battles Biting Cold And Severe Air Pollution

Residents of Delhi-NCR are battling a harsh combination of biting cold and severe air pollution on Tuesday, with authorities issuing multiple warnings to minimise health risks.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the cold wave will persist through January 14, and that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged into the ‘severe’ category across many parts of the national capital.

The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for the region, forecasting a maximum temperature of around 20°C and a minimum plunging to 4°C.

Extremely high humidity, reaching 97–98 per cent in the morning, has made the chill feel even more severe.

Temperatures are likely to rise slightly from January 15. However, dense to moderate fog during early morning and night hours may reduce visibility and disrupt transportation.

“The combination of cold winds and high humidity has intensified the sensation of cold, making outdoor conditions extremely harsh,” the IMD noted.

Air quality has deteriorated sharply, with multiple monitoring stations reporting AQI levels above 400, placing them firmly in the ‘severe’ category.

Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 411, followed by Rohini (397) and Chandni Chowk (380). Other areas, including Bawana (378), Wazirpur (375), and Ashok Vihar (366), have also reported dangerously high levels.

Neighbouring NCR cities are similarly affected. Noida saw AQI readings of 357 in Sector-1, 340 in Sector-125, and 307 in Sector-62, while Ghaziabad recorded 324 in Indirapuram and 309 in Sanjay Nagar.

Even areas with relatively lower pollution, such as Sri Aurobindo Marg, recorded an AQI of 274, categorised as ‘poor’.

Government Reviews Pollution Control Measures

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, EFCC Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, and senior officials to assess action plans for tackling air pollution.

The focus was on long-term measures rather than short-term interventions.

Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to hazardous air can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, especially among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Authorities advise residents to limit outdoor activities, use protective masks, and take precautions against the cold.

The dual threat of freezing temperatures and toxic air has prompted Delhi-NCR authorities to place the region on high alert and urge citizens to exercise caution in the coming days.