Delhi's Air Quality Dips to 'Poor' as Thick Smog and Cold Day Grip Capital

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with an overall AQI of 277, according to CPCB data. Several areas, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, recorded AQI levels above 320, slipping into the 'very poor' category. The India Meteorological Department has forecast that the current cold-day conditions, which marked the season's first such day on January 6, are likely to persist. Meanwhile, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued at India Gate despite the thick smog enveloping the capital.

Key Points: Delhi AQI 'Poor' at 277, Cold Day Conditions Persist

  • Overall AQI at 277 in 'poor' category
  • Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri AQI over 320
  • IMD forecasts persistent cold-day conditions
  • First 'cold day' of season recorded on Jan 6
  • Republic Day rehearsals continue amid smog
2 min read

Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' with overall AQI of 277 as thick smog blankets the capital

Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' with an AQI of 277. Several areas slip into 'very poor' category as cold day conditions and smog blanket the capital.

"Air quality remained in the 'poor' category across several parts of Delhi - Central Pollution Control Board data"

New Delhi, January 8

The national capital is experiencing cold weather, with a thick blanket of smog continuing to envelop the city on Thursday. Air quality remained in the 'poor' category across several parts of Delhi, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

According to CPCB readings, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 277, placing it in the 'poor' category.

However, according to CPCB data, several areas in the city witnessed a decline in air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 324, slipping into the 'very poor' category. Other areas, including Chandini Chowk (320), Jahangirpuri (327), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (306), and Nehru Nagar (343), also recorded a drop in air quality.

In contrast, other locations recorded a slightly improved air quality than other regions in the city. For instance, Asok Nagar recorded an AQI of 296, which falls into the 'poor' category, according to the CPCB.

Other places like IGI Airport (207), ITO (270), and Burari (231) also recorded similar results.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

On January 6, the national capital experienced cold weather and recorded its first 'cold day' of the season.

Maximum temperatures in areas such as Palam and Lodi Road have been recorded within a narrow range of 13°C to 16°C. It marks the onset of a winter spell as it is the first day of such conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that these cold-day conditions are likely to persist through tomorrow, indicating no immediate relief for residents.

According to IMD, a 'cold day' is defined as a day when the maximum temperature is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees below the seasonal norm. If temperatures fall 6.5 degrees below the seasonal norm, it is classified as a severe cold day. (ANI)

Meanwhile, Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate, with security personnel and parade participants carrying on preparations for the upcoming national celebrations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
AQI 277 is "poor"? Feels like severe to me. My throat is burning just walking to the metro. And now with the cold day conditions, it's a double whammy. Kudos to the Republic Day participants practicing in this. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
Living in Jahangirpuri where it's 327. Can't even see the building across the street. It's affecting my kids' health badly. When will there be a permanent solution? We hear promises every year.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living here, the air quality is a major concern. It's disheartening to see such a vibrant city struggle with this annually. The data from IGI Airport being slightly better is interesting, but overall, public health needs to be the top priority.
V
Vikram M
The cold wave plus pollution is a deadly combo, especially for senior citizens. We need better public awareness and more green cover in the city. Also, appreciate the IMD for clear forecasts.
K
Karthik V
While the situation is bad, I must respectfully point out that we citizens also share blame. Diwali crackers, waste burning, and preferring personal vehicles add to the problem. Change has to start at home too.

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