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Delhi's Air Quality Improves Slightly, But Severe Pollution Persists in Many Areas

The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage-IV GRAP actions for Delhi-NCR, though air quality remains a serious concern. Several areas, including Anand Vihar and Wazirpur, recorded AQI levels well into the 'severe' category above 440. Forecasts indicate the average AQI will remain 'very poor' in the coming days. Authorities have mandated continued strict vigilance and the enforcement of preventive measures under earlier GRAP stages to prevent further deterioration.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality: Stage-IV GRAP Revoked, Vigilance Continues

  • Stage-IV GRAP revoked
  • AQI remains 'very poor' to 'severe'
  • Anand Vihar AQI at 444
  • Vigilance and preventive measures to continue
  • CPCB and IMD monitor conditions
2 min read

Delhi NCR Air quality: Stage-IV GRAP actions revoked, vigil to continue

Delhi's AQI remains very poor to severe. CAQM revokes Stage-IV GRAP but orders strict vigilance. Key pollution hotspots and forecasts detailed.

"All implementing agencies across the NCR have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance - CAQM"

New Delhi, January 20

In view of the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday invoked measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi and the National Capital Region.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while there was a marginal improvement compared to Monday morning, when the AQI was in the 'severe' category at 418.

Several areas in Delhi reported alarmingly high AQI levels. Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both recorded AQI readings of 444, while Wazirpur registered 446. Other pollution hotspots included Punjabi Bagh (437), RK Puram (421), Bawana (418), ITO (414), Chandni Chowk (412) and Dwarka Sector 8 (412). All these locations fell in the 'severe' category, indicating extremely poor air quality and heightened health risks.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.

Forecasts of weather and meteorological conditions by IMD and IITM indicate that Delhi's average AQI will remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said that it has revoked its earlier orders dated January 17, 2026, invoking Stage-IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR). Stage-IV measures are applicable when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 450, classified as 'Severe'.

All implementing agencies across the NCR have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures under these stages to prevent AQI levels from worsening into the 'Severe' category.

The CAQM emphasised that air quality monitoring and review will continue across the region, with all agencies ensuring the timely implementation of preventive measures under Stage-I, II, and III.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good that CAQM is keeping vigil, but revoking Stage-IV so soon? The forecast says 'very poor' for days. This feels like a compromise. We need consistent, long-term policy, not this on-off switch approach every winter. The health of millions is at stake.
R
Rohit P
Anand Vihar at 444! I commute from there daily. My eyes burn, throat is sore. The odd-even scheme, construction bans... all temporary fixes. Where is the action against stubble burning in neighbouring states? This is an NCR problem, not just Delhi.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Gurgaon, the air quality is the single biggest challenge. It's hard to explain to family back home. The data is scary, but public awareness seems low. People are still burning trash in my area. Strict vigilance is needed at the local level too.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions 'preventive measures', but everything feels reactive. By the time AQI hits 450, the damage is done. We need better forecasting and pre-emptive action in October itself. Also, more green cover please!
N
Nisha Z
It's the same story every year. Data, warnings, then some restrictions lifted. My father's asthma has worsened terribly. Air purifiers are a luxury many can't afford. Where is the real solution? Jai Hind, but we deserve to breathe clean air.

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