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Delhi Air Quality Stays 'Very Poor' at 397 AQI Amid Severe Pollution

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category with an overall AQI of 397, though marginally improved from the previous day's 'severe' levels. Several key areas, including Anand Vihar and Wazirpur, recorded AQI readings above 440, placing them in the 'severe' category. The Commission for Air Quality Management has reinvoked Stage-IV GRAP measures but reported serious deficiencies in their implementation, with compliance shortfalls as high as 99.6%. Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities as severe pollution combines with dense fog and cold wave conditions.

Key Points: Delhi AQI 397: Air Remains 'Very Poor', GRAP Gaps Found

  • Overall AQI at 397, 'very poor'
  • Areas like Wazirpur hit 446 AQI, 'severe'
  • Dense fog and cold wave worsen conditions
  • GRAP Stage-IV measures reinvoked
  • Review finds 7% to 99.6% non-compliance in anti-pollution steps
2 min read

Despite marginal improvements, Delhi's air remains unbreathable at 397 AQI

Delhi's AQI recorded 397, in 'very poor' category. Several areas hit 'severe' levels. CAQM finds serious deficiencies in GRAP implementation.

"serious deficiencies in the implementation of measures - Commission for Air Quality Management"

New Delhi, January 20

Delhi continued to grapple with its air pollution crisis on Tuesday morning with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 397 at 7 am, placing the national capital's air in the 'very poor' category.

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'.

Adding to the deteriorating conditions, visibility across the city remained poor due to ongoing cold wave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog in the morning hours, with moderate fog at several locations and dense fog at isolated spots. The temperature around 7 am was recorded at approximately 8.2 degrees Celsius.

With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.

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

Furthermore, in response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has recorded "serious deficiencies" in the implementation of measures prescribed under Stage-III and Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, following a detailed review of performance reports submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in the NCR.

According to the Commission, the GRAP Monitoring Control Room, set up to oversee daily compliance, has been continuously tracking actions taken by concerned agencies to curb air pollution. The review of implementation during the two most stringent stages of GRAP revealed wide gaps and persistent non-compliance across multiple parameters, with shortfalls ranging from 7 per cent to as high as 99.6 per cent in several mandated actions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living near Anand Vihar. The number 444 AQI is not just a statistic, it's what we breathe every morning. Eyes burning, constant cough. The authorities talk about "deficiencies" but who is being held accountable? We need action, not just reports.
A
Aman W
It's the same story every winter. Stubble burning in neighbouring states, local construction dust, vehicle pollution – all combine into this deadly cocktail. The solution needs to be regional and sustained, not just an annual crisis management exercise.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in RK Puram, this is genuinely alarming. The air purifier in my apartment is running 24/7 and the filter needs changing every month. It's hard to focus on work when you're worried about the health impact of simply breathing.
K
Karthik V
While the situation is terrible, I must respectfully point out that we citizens also share some blame. How many of us are ready to use public transport consistently or avoid firecrackers during Diwali? Change has to start at an individual level too. Jai Hind.
M
Meera T
The article mentions Republic Day rehearsals are on. Imagine the poor jawans and performers practicing for hours in this 'severe' air. Our national pride comes at a health cost for them. Authorities must provide proper protective gear at the very least.
V

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