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Delhi's Air Quality 'Very Poor' at AQI 341, GRAP Stage IV Measures Invoked

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category with an AQI of 341, showing only marginal improvement from the previous day. Several areas, including Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar, recorded AQI levels nearing 390. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan across the NCR to prevent a slide into the 'severe' category. The situation is compounded by foggy and cold weather conditions in the capital.

Key Points: Delhi AQI 341: 'Very Poor' Air Quality, GRAP Stage IV in Force

  • AQI at 341 in 'very poor' range
  • Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar hotspots at AQI 388
  • GRAP Stage IV measures invoked by CAQM
  • Moderate to dense fog adds to poor conditions
2 min read

Delhi records 'very poor' air quality as AQI stands at 341

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 341. Key areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur report high pollution. CAQM invokes GRAP Stage IV measures.

"All implementing agencies across the NCR have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance - Commission for Air Quality Management"

New Delhi, January 21

Delhi continued to reel under 'very poor' air quality on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 341 around 7 am, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Although the air quality showed a marginal improvement compared to Tuesday morning, when the AQI stood at 397, the overall situation remained concerning, with pollution levels firmly placed in the 'very poor' category. The sustained deterioration in air quality continues to pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory ailments.

Several areas across the national capital reported high AQI levels. Anand Vihar recorded AQI readings of 388, Ashok Vihar at 388, while Wazirpur registered 386. Other pollution hotspots included Punjabi Bagh (374), RK Puram (377), Bawana (383), ITO (369), Chandni Chowk (369) and Dwarka Sector 8 (376). All these locations remained in the 'very poor' category, reflecting widespread pollution across the city.

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'.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported moderate fog at several locations in Delhi, with dense fog observed at isolated places. The temperature in the national capital was recorded at around 9 degrees Celsius at 7 am, adding to the challenging weather conditions.

A day earlier, in view of deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region.

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

R
Rohit P
Living in Anand Vihar, the AQI of 388 feels like a personal attack. Can't even open the windows. The government's measures feel like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We need stricter enforcement on construction dust and a faster transition to electric public transport.
D
David E
As an expat living here, the air quality is the single biggest challenge. The data is alarming, but seeing the dense fog mixed with pollution every morning is even more visceral. Hope the CAQM's vigilance translates to tangible results soon. Stay safe, everyone.
A
Aman W
The focus is always on Delhi, but the problem is regional. NCR cities like Gurugram and Noida are just as bad, if not worse. We need a unified strategy for the entire Indo-Gangetic plain. Blaming farmers alone isn't the answer.
S
Sarah B
It's good that the AQI has improved from 397, even if marginally. Small steps matter. The GRAP system seems structured. Let's hope the preventive measures under Stages I-III are effective enough so we don't hit 'Severe'. Cautiously optimistic.
K
Karthik V
The cost of air purifiers and filters is becoming a necessary household expense, just like groceries. It's a sad reality for middle-class families. What about those who can't afford them? Public health should not be a luxury.

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