According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 461 at 7 am, reflecting hazardous conditions. Several parts of the capital reported extremely poor visibility as thick haze lingered through the morning hours, particularly in areas such as Ghazipur, ITO and Anand Vihar.
Severe air quality across most neighbourhoods
Among the worst-affected locations, Bawana recorded an AQI of 497, the highest in the city, followed by Narela at 492 and Okhla Phase 2 at 474. Anand Vihar remained enveloped in toxic smog, with its AQI touching 491, firmly in the severe category. Other pollution hotspots included DTU (495), Ashok Vihar (493), ITO (483) and Nehru Nagar (479).
Even areas that fared relatively better continued to remain unsafe. NSIT Dwarka, which recorded the lowest AQI in the city, still logged a reading of 411, while Najafgarh (408) and Shadipur (411) also stayed within the severe range.
The worsening air quality comes even as Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect. On Saturday, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education directed schools to shift classes up to Class IX and XI to a hybrid mode, following the Commission for Air Quality Management’s decision to tighten restrictions as pollution levels surged.The CPCB classifies AQI readings between 401 and 500 as ‘severe’, a level at which prolonged exposure poses serious health risks for all individuals, including those without pre-existing conditions. With winter conditions intensifying and pollutant dispersion remaining poor, authorities continue to urge residents to limit outdoor exposure and follow health advisories.