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Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis: Why AQI Hits 362 Despite GRAP Measures

Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the 'very poor' category with an overall AQI of 362. Multiple areas across the capital are experiencing dangerous pollution levels, with Anand Vihar reaching severe category at 428 AQI. Health experts are expressing serious concerns about the impact on children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Despite GRAP Stage-II measures being in place, the post-Diwali pollution persists across the National Capital Region.

Key Points: Delhi NCR Air Quality Remains Very Poor at 362 AQI

  • Overall Delhi AQI recorded at 362 in 'very poor' category
  • Anand Vihar area reaches severe levels with AQI of 428
  • GRAP Stage-II measures implemented across NCR to control pollution
  • Health experts warn of breathing difficulties for vulnerable groups
3 min read

Delhi-NCR Air Quality remains under very poor category, overall AQI at 362

Delhi's air quality remains in 'very poor' category with AQI at 362, as GRAP Stage-II measures continue amid health warnings for vulnerable groups.

"As winter approaches every year, we see the AQI start to rise because as the air cools, the wind speed decreases - Dr. Nikhil Modi"

New Delhi, October 23

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and its National Capital Region on Thursday morning remained under the "very poor" category with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II norms already in place.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 362 as of 6 am today.

The AQI in the RK Puram area of south-west Delhi remains "very poor" at 362, as of 6:00 am today. The AQI at Patparganj also remains "very poor" at 361.

The AQI at India Gate and the surrounding areas was recorded at 353, classified as "Very Poor" by the CPCB.

The Air Quality Index near AIIMS and the surrounding areas was recorded at 342. The AQI around the Akshardham temple was recorded at 350 this morning. Anand Vihar area recorded at 428, in the 'Severe' category

A day after Diwali, Delhi's air quality was recorded in the "very poor" category on Tuesday. As per CPCB, the overall AQI in the national capital stood at 351 as of 4:00 PM.

Meanwhile, Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas' (CAQM) sub-committee on GRAP comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts on Sunday and took a call to invoke the 12-point action plan as per Stage-II of the extant GRAP in the entire National Capital Region in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Furthermore, the health experts have raised concerns about the rising Air Quality Index (AQI) and its impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.

On Tuesday, Dr. Nikhil Modi, Respiratory Medicine Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, explained the seasonal factors contributing to the spike in pollution.

"As winter approaches every year, we see the AQI start to rise because as the air cools, the wind speed decreases, and cold air does not rise, causing pollution to accumulate at lower levels. Before Diwali, we began to notice that the AQI was increasing, and after Diwali, it was anticipated that the AQI would continue to rise. As soon as pollution increases, people with allergies and lung problems face issues like difficulty in breathing, coughing, watery eyes, and other symptoms," Dr. Modi said.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the efforts in controlling Delhi's pollution on Tuesday, stressing that despite a 21 per cent growth in construction and an 8 per cent increase in new vehicle registrations, pollution levels have remained stable.

Sirsa also shared that Delhi's post-Diwali air quality is significantly better than in previous years: 2020 (under AAP rule), AQI 462; 2024, AQI 360; and 2025, AQI 351.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Anand Vihar at 428 is alarming! I commute through that area daily and my eyes burn every morning. The government needs stricter enforcement of GRAP measures.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi from Canada last year, the air quality here is shocking. We invested in multiple air purifiers but it's not enough. The government's claim that pollution is stable despite growth seems misleading when AQI is still over 350.
A
Arjun K
At least there's some improvement from previous years. 351 is better than 462 in 2020. Small progress but we need to keep pushing for cleaner air. The stubble burning from neighboring states remains a major issue that needs addressing.
M
Michael C
My asthma has been terrible this week. Had to visit the hospital twice. The doctor said they're seeing a 40% increase in respiratory cases. When will we take this health emergency seriously?
K
Kavya N
We need better public transport and stricter vehicle emission norms. So many old, polluting vehicles still on Delhi roads. Also, construction dust control measures are poorly implemented. 🚗💨

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