Delhi's air quality dropped to the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 371 recorded around 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), on the very first day of the New Year 2026.
NCR cities like Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida are also reeling under the 'poor' category AQI, which was earlier 'very poor'.
Smoke cloaked the city as Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Sunday, hit by a combination of cold weather and smoke drifting in from farm fires across neighbouring states.
Delhi's air quality witnessed deterioration on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 271 at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to the minister, the credit for this turnaround goes to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective on-ground execution by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Since the BJP formed its government in the national capital after 27 years, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says the party has initiated several steps towards improving the city’s air quality and keeping pollution in check.
The decline follows a spell of dust-laden winds and worsening atmospheric conditions that have gripped the National Capital Region (NCR) pre-monsoon.
The air quality in the national capital deteriorated on Tuesday following a high level of dust pollution in various parts of the city and its surrounding areas.
According to SAFAR forecast, the air quality of the city will continue under the 'very poor category' on Sunday.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 are marked as severe/hazardous.
