New Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to exceed 400 on Monday, with a reading of 418 at 6 AM. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality was recorded in the ‘ Severe’ category as Delhiites battle both pollution and the cold wave.
Delhi recorded worst AQI on Sunday
On Sunday, Delhi. AQI recorded 440 at 4 PM, which was the highest this season in January since the last two years. It was worse than 400 on Sunday and the highest for the month since 447 in 2024. According to officials, Delhi’s AQI is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category from Monday to Wednesday.
Earlier on Saturday, Delhi was once again placed in the Grap IV category after the national capital recorded AQI of 400 on Saturday putting the capital in the ‘Very Poor’ category
This was an increase from Friday’s AQI of 354 when the authorities invoked GRAP III measures. While neighbouring Noida registered an AQI of 388 on Saturday.
“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of extant GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of extant GRAP already in-force in NCR,” the CAQM said in a statement.
Dip on AQI unusual for January
Notably, the deterioration of the AQI is especially unusual in the second half of the month, when the air is less polluted as compared to the first half. The AQI on Sunday was the joint-worst in the second half of January when it also reached .440 on January 17, 2019. Also, the AQI for the latter half of January ranged from 430 in 2016 375 in the year 2017, 403 in 2018, 370 in 2020, 409 in 2024, and 368 in 2025.