New Delhi | January 8, 2026

Delhi continued to grapple with poor air quality on Thursday as a thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital amid persistent winter chill. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that air pollution levels remained a concern across most parts of the city, with several areas slipping into the ‘very poor’ category.

According to CPCB readings, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 277, placing it firmly in the ‘poor’ category. While some pockets of the city showed marginal improvement, others witnessed a noticeable decline in air quality.

Several areas record ‘very poor’ air quality

Among the worst-affected regions was Anand Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 324, slipping into the ‘very poor’ category. Other areas with similarly high pollution levels included Chandni Chowk (320), Jahangirpuri (327), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (306), and Nehru Nagar (343).

These figures indicate worsening conditions in several densely populated and traffic-heavy zones, raising health concerns for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Some locations show relatively better readings

In contrast, a few areas reported comparatively better air quality, though still within the ‘poor’ bracket. Ashok Nagarrecorded an AQI of 296, while ITO (270) and Burari (231) showed similar levels.

Meanwhile, IGI Airport registered a comparatively lower AQI of 207, which still falls under the ‘poor’ category but suggests slightly improved conditions compared to other parts of the city.

AQI categories explained

As per official classification:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

With multiple locations crossing the 300 mark, residents continued to experience reduced visibility and respiratory discomfort.

Cold-day conditions persist

Adding to the discomfort, Delhi has been experiencing intense winter conditions. On January 6, the city recorded its first ‘cold day’ of the season, as maximum temperatures dipped significantly below normal levels.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures in areas such as Palam and Lodhi Road ranged between 13°C and 16°C, marking the onset of a prolonged winter spell.

IMD defines a ‘cold day’ as one when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C below the seasonal average. If the deviation exceeds 6.5°C, it is classified as a severe cold day.

The weather department has warned that these cold-day conditions are likely to continue through Friday, indicating no immediate relief from either the cold or the pollution.

Republic Day preparations continue amid smog

Despite the adverse weather and air quality conditions, preparations for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations continued at India Gate. Security personnel and parade participants were seen carrying on rehearsals as scheduled, braving the cold and smoggy conditions.

With stagnant winds and low temperatures expected to persist, experts caution that pollution levels may remain elevated in the coming days unless weather conditions improve.