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

Air pollution levels across Delhi-NCR remained alarmingly high on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 380 at 8:00 AM, firmly placing the region in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Residents across the National Capital Region continued to face hazardous air conditions with little respite.

Most parts of the national capital reported ‘very poor’ air quality, while only a few locations slipped into the ‘poor’ category.

Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 395, while Rohini and Anand Vihar both stood at 391. Wazirpur followed at 388, and Bawana registered an AQI of 384, indicating widespread pollution across north and northwest Delhi.

Several other areas, including Mundka (381), R K Puram (378), Punjabi Bagh (377) and Dwarka Sector-8 (377), continued to report ‘very poor’ air quality.

Central and east Delhi also remained heavily polluted, with ITO and Vivek Vihar each recording an AQI of 372.

Chandni Chowk and Patparganj followed closely at 370, reflecting persistent pollution across densely populated zones.

As per CPCB standards, AQI levels between 301 and 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category, posing serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.

Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on January 20, following a marginal improvement in air quality.

However, restrictions under Stages I, II and III continue to remain in force. The ban on BS-IV diesel trucks and older heavy vehicles has been lifted.

Meanwhile, winter chill has begun to ease, with maximum temperatures hovering around 24 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures close to 7 degrees Celsius, offering limited relief amid persistent pollution concerns.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Sees Marginal Relief As Air Quality Improves Slightly, Remains ‘Very Poor’