The national capital witnessed a significant improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 221 around 8 am. However, it continued to remain in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Air quality showed a sharp improvement compared to Wednesday, when the AQI had crossed 300. Despite the improvement, a thin layer of smog persisted in several parts of the city, and overall air conditions remained poor.
In Anand Vihar, a light smog layer lingered, though visibility was relatively clear. The area recorded an AQI of 292, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Similar smog conditions were observed in areas around Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, and India Gate during the morning hours.
CPCB data showed that several locations across the capital, including Bawana (289), Chandni Chowk (255), Dwarka Sector 8 (222), and Patparganj (230), reported improved air quality, though all remained in the ‘poor’ category. Delhi Technological University (DTU) also recorded poor air quality, with an AQI of 249.
However, air quality varied across the city, with some areas recording better conditions than others. Aya Nagar registered an AQI of 137, falling in the ‘moderate’ category, according to CPCB data. Similar air quality levels were recorded at Mandir Marg (171), Najafgarh (137), and CRRI Mathura Road (162), all entering the ‘moderate’ category.
As per CPCB categorisation, an AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas revoked actions under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, citing a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
According to an order issued by CAQM, the decision followed a review meeting of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, which assessed the prevailing air quality scenario along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The Commission noted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index had shown marked improvement since Monday night due to high wind speeds and favourable meteorological conditions. The AQI was recorded at 271 in the ‘poor’ category on December 24, 2025.
However, forecasts from IMD and IITM indicate a possible increase in AQI levels in the coming days due to slower wind speeds, the order said. (Agencies)
