Delhi Chokes as Air Turns Toxic: AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas, Breathing Becomes Difficult
New Delhi Desk — A deadly mix of freezing cold and rising pollution has pushed Delhi and the NCR region into a severe health crisis. The poisonous air continues to hang over the city, causing burning eyes, breathlessness and discomfort among residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the “severe” category for yet another day, with several neighbourhoods crossing the 400 mark — officially placing them in the Red Zone where even healthy people may find it hard to breathe.
AQI Above 400: Most Polluted Areas
Several parts of Delhi are witnessing extremely poor air quality. These key locations recorded AQI above 400:
| Area | AQI (400+) |
|---|---|
| Bawana, Wazirpur | 436 |
| DTU | 427 |
| Jahangirpuri | 424 |
| Ashok Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Rohini | 422 |
| Chandni Chowk, Narela | 420 |
| ITO | 418 |
| Anand Vihar, Sonia Vihar | 411 |
| Alipur, Nehru Nagar | 410 |
| Mundka | 407 |
| Burari Crossing | 404 |
| Dwarka Sector-8 | 401 |
| North Campus | 400 |
NCR Also Struggling
Neighbouring NCR cities are facing similar conditions:
- Ghaziabad: 428
- Noida: 400
- Gurugram: 311
According to a non-government platform aqi.in, Delhi’s average AQI today stands at 517, falling in the “hazardous” range.
AQI Between 300–400: Very Poor to Severe
Many other localities remain in the 300–400 range, indicating very poor air quality.
Near 400:
Patparganj (399), Karni Singh (395), Okhla Phase 2 (395), RK Puram (394), Siri Fort (393)
Others:
Mandir Marg (381), Aya Nagar (380), Dwarka Sector 8 (380), Pusa (376), JLN Stadium (362), Najafgarh (365), Shadipur (350), Mathura Road (348), IGI Airport (339), Dilshad Garden (310)
GRAP-3 in Force, But Violations Continue
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has enforced GRAP Stage-3 due to deteriorating conditions. However, on-ground violations continue: garbage burning, construction dust on roads, and widespread use of diesel generators in unauthorised areas — all worsening the pollution crisis.
Doctors Advise Staying Indoors
Health experts have strongly advised people to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary. Children, senior citizens and individuals with respiratory illnesses are at higher risk and must take extra precautions.
Delhi Weather: Cold Wave Intensifies
Along with pollution, cold conditions are tightening their grip on the capital.
- Today (Sunday): Minimum temperature around 10°C; maximum about 25°C
- Coming days: IMD predicts further drop in temperature, with minimum likely to dip to 9°C by Monday
