Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Delhi Faces Severe Air Pollution
Delhi and nearby cities are experiencing very bad air quality, with levels reaching 'severe' in some areas.
The air quality index (AQI) was very high on Monday and Tuesday, making it hard for people to breathe.
The weather is also foggy in the mornings, which can make it difficult to see while driving.
Temperatures are expected to be quite cold in the mornings but will warm up during the day.
The weather department predicts rain in a few days, which might help clear the pollution.
The government has also noted that not enough is being done to reduce pollution, and they are taking action to fix this.
Delhi's air quality remains in the 'severe' category with an AQI of 410, while Gurugram and Noida also experience 'very poor' to 'severe' conditions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has identified serious deficiencies in the implementation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP Stage-III and Stage-IV.
Fog conditions are expected to persist in the mornings, with temperatures ranging from 7-9°C in the morning to 23-25°C during the day.
The IMD predicts rain on 23 January, which may help improve air quality.
High pendency of public complaints related to air pollution, with 47% unresolved in Delhi during Stage-III and 68% during Stage-IV.
- Who
- India Meteorological Department (IMD), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
- What
- Severe air pollution, fog, and high temperatures
- When
- Morning hours, next several days
- Where
- Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida
- Why
- Seasonal weather patterns, weak enforcement of anti-pollution measures
CAQM
DPCC and SPCBs
Implementation of GRAP Measures
CAQM
CAQM has flagged serious deficiencies in the implementation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP Stage-III and Stage-IV, with shortfalls ranging from 7% to 99.6% in key actions.
DPCC and SPCBs
DPCC and SPCBs have been directed to identify responsible officers and initiate proceedings for the failures in implementation.
- Location
- Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida
- AQI
- 410 (Delhi), 379 (Gurugram), 412 (Noida)
- Minimum Temperature
- 7-9°C
- Maximum Temperature
- 23-25°C
- Fog Type
- Shallow to moderate
- Visibility
- Poor during early hours
- Ventilation Index
- Below 6,000 m²/s
- Rain Prediction
- 23 January
Sources
Delhi Weather Today: Fog again or Smog Comeback? When Will Conditions Improve? Check Forecast
IMD predicts prolonged dry spell, rising temperature in Bengal this week
Delhi's air quality improves; respite from pollution seems near as IMD predicts rain in 3 days
CAQM flags ‘serious deficiencies’ in implementation of GRAP measures in Delhi-NCR
Western disturbance to bring rain, snow to Himalayas; fog to disrupt north India
