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Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' Amid Intense Cold Wave

Delhi's air quality worsened to a 'very poor' level with an overall AQI of 357, marking a deterioration from the previous day. Several areas, including Jahangirpuri and RK Puram, recorded AQI levels in the 'severe' category, exceeding 400. The city is simultaneously grappling with an intense cold wave, with early morning temperatures dropping to around 3-4 degrees Celsius. Despite the hazardous conditions, Republic Day parade rehearsals are proceeding at Kartavya Path.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Hits 357, Cold Wave Grips Capital

  • Overall AQI at 357 in 'very poor' range
  • Jahangirpuri hits severe 420 AQI
  • Temperatures plunge to 3-4 degrees Celsius
  • Multiple areas report AQI above 400
  • Rehearsals for Republic Day parade continue
2 min read

Delhi wakes up to biting cold and 'very poor' air quality, overall AQI at 357

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' with an AQI of 357 as a severe cold wave brings temperatures down to 3-4°C.

"Jahangirpuri witnessed particularly alarming levels, with the AQI touching 420 - CPCB data"

New Delhi, January 14

Delhi's air quality continued to remain a serious concern on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 357 at 7 am, falling in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks a further deterioration compared to Tuesday, when the city's AQI stood at 337.

Several areas across the national capital reported AQI levels well above 300, indicating persistently hazardous conditions for public health. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 366 at 7 am, while Bawana stood at 361. Jahangirpuri witnessed particularly alarming levels, with the AQI touching 420, placing it in the 'severe' category. RK Puram recorded an AQI of 407, Dwarka Sector 8 at 403, Punjabi Bagh at 366, Wazirpur at 386, and Chandni Chowk at 397, according to CPCB data.

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'.

Furthermore, as per air quality data available at 7 am, Ahmedabad recorded an AQI of 139, while Bengaluru stood at 88. Chennai's AQI was recorded at 108, and Hyderabad reported a comparatively better air quality with an AQI of 81. Jaipur registered an AQI of 211, placing it in the 'poor' category, while Lucknow recorded 193. Mumbai's AQI stood at 118, Patna at 136, and Pune at 149, indicating 'moderate' air quality levels in these cities.

In addition to deteriorating air quality, Delhi is experiencing an intense cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), early morning temperatures in the city dropped to around 3-4 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD forecast, similar cold conditions are likely to persist throughout the day.

A day earlier, Delhi woke up to a chilly morning, with temperatures dropping to around 4 degrees Celsius. Cold wave conditions, accompanied by dense fog in several parts of the city, continued to disrupt normal life, affecting visibility and adding to travel-related challenges.

Meanwhile, rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade are currently underway at Kartavya Path.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Look at the data! Bengaluru at 88, Hyderabad at 81. Delhi at 357. It's a shame for our national capital. The odd-even scheme feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We need stricter enforcement on construction dust and stubble burning, year-round.
A
Aman W
The fog and cold combined with this pollution is a nightmare for commuters. My daily drive from Dwarka to Connaught Place takes twice as long. Stay safe everyone, use N95 masks if you have to go out.
S
Sarah B
I moved here from Canada last year. The winter here is a completely different experience. The air feels heavy and it's hard to explain the constant throat irritation. Investing in air purifiers has become a basic necessity, not a luxury.
V
Vikram M
And amidst this, Republic Day rehearsals are on. Hats off to our armed forces and performers who practice in these conditions. It highlights the resilience of Delhiites too, but we deserve better air. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
While the focus is on Delhi, let's not ignore Jaipur at 211 (poor) and Lucknow at 193. The entire Indo-Gangetic plain suffers. This is a regional, multi-state crisis needing a coordinated plan, not just city-level blame games.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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