Air quality across Delhi and its surrounding cities stayed firmly in the “severe” zone on Sunday, with pollution levels crossing dangerous thresholds at several locations.
In many parts of the capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) went beyond 450. In a few areas, it edged close to 500, which is the highest possible reading. Doctors and environmental experts say air at this level poses serious health risks.
Delhi bore the worst impact. Most air quality monitoring stations in the city reported “severe” readings, forcing residents to breathe air that officials described as extremely hazardous.
Reduced visibility forced people to limit outdoor movement and disrupted daily life across the region.
Delhi must bite the bitter pill
Current AQI in Delhi today: Which areas recorded severe pollution
Data from air quality monitors showed alarming numbers across the capital.
Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 473, Vivek Vihar 472, Ashok Vihar and Rohini 471, Jahangirpuri 468, Anand Vihar 461, Chandni Chowk 454, and Bawana 442.
Several other locations also remained deep in the danger zone. Sonia Vihar recorded 467, RK Puram 439, and ITO 430.
Even areas usually less affected were not spared. The IGI Airport Terminal-3 area reported an AQI of 339, placing it between the “poor” and “severe” categories.
AQI today in Noida and Ghaziabad
The crisis extended well beyond Delhi’s borders.
In Noida, Sector-1 recorded an AQI of 439, Sector-116 stood at 422, and Sector-62 at 375.
Ghaziabad reported even worse conditions in some pockets. Loni recorded 476, Vasundhara 457, Indirapuram 433, and Sanjay Nagar 389.
These readings show that the pollution problem is not limited to the capital but has engulfed large parts of the National Capital Region.
Officials said air quality in the adjoining cities remains equally worrying.
Why Delhi AQI remains severe today: Fog, low winds and GRAP Phase 4
According to the India Meteorological Department, a thick layer of fog and smog has covered the entire NCR since morning.
Dense fog was recorded on January 19. The weather department has forecast moderate fog conditions over the next few days as well.
Experts say pollution alone is not to blame. The weather has made it worse. High humidity and still air have allowed pollutants to linger near the ground, with little chance to disperse.
With conditions worsening, authorities have moved to Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR.
The curbs are now visible on the ground. Vehicles entering Delhi are being checked more strictly, with highly polluting ones turned back. Construction and allied activities have also been scaled down to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Environmental experts warned that unless weather conditions improve and stronger winds set in, pollution levels could rise further.
The administration has urged people to avoid stepping out unless necessary, wear masks, and take special care of children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to the effects of severe air pollution.