Delhi’s air pollution situation remained critical on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded around 436–439, placing the national capital firmly in the ‘severe’ category of pollution. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that multiple monitoring stations across the city registered extremely high particulate pollution, creating serious health concerns for residents.
Several localities reported hazardous levels. Areas including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, Dwarka Sector 8, ITO, Narela, RK Puram and Wazirpur were all in the severe category, reflecting widespread air contamination.
The deteriorating air quality was accompanied by cold weather and dense fog, which reduced visibility and worsened pollution dispersion. The India Meteorological Department recorded minimum temperatures between about 5 °C and 7 °C, below normal for this time of year, while large swathes of the city remained wrapped in fog in the early morning hours.
In response to the hazardous conditions, authorities reinstated Stage‑IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi‑National Capital Region. These measures include restrictions on industrial and construction activity, controls on vehicle emissions, and other steps designed to curb pollution levels when AQI readings are in the highest bands.
Persistent winter conditions—calm winds, low temperatures, and a low ventilation index—continue to trap pollutants near the surface, contributing to the prolonged severe air quality. Forecasters expect the situation to remain challenging in the days ahead, with fog and cold conditions likely persisting and limited natural dispersal of airborne particles.
Health specialists typically advise residents, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, to limit outdoor exposure and follow protective measures when AQI remains in the severe category. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for further developments.
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