Delhi Air Pollution Update: AQI Improves Marginally but Remains ‘Very Poor’

Amid cold wave Delhi continues to record  'very poor' air quality on Wednesday morning. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)The AQI index reached to 341 around 7 am. Even tough the air quality level show marginal improvement compared to Tuesday morning overall situation remained concerning, with pollution levels firmly placed in the 'very poor' category.

Deteriorating air quality poses serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. Several areas in the national capital reported high AQI levels, including Anand Vihar (388), Ashok Vihar (388), Wazirpur (386), Punjabi Bagh (374), RK Puram (377), Bawana (383), ITO (369), Chandni Chowk (369), and Dwarka Sector 8 (376). All locations remained in the 'very poor' category, indicating widespread pollution.

Air quality is categorized as: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and 401-500 (Severe). This morning at 7 am, the IMD reported moderate fog in Delhi, with isolated areas experiencing dense fog, and a temperature of approximately 9°C. Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), previously implemented by the CAQM in Delhi and the NCR due to worsening air quality, has been revoked.

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The revocation follows the CAQM's January 17, 2026, order, which invokes Stage-IV GRAP actions when the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses 450 (Severe). NCR agencies are instructed to remain vigilant and strengthen preventative measures to keep AQI levels below the 'Severe' category. The CAQM will continue monitoring and reviewing air quality, ensuring timely implementation of preventive actions under Stages I, II, and III.