According to government data, national capital Delhi had only 79 good-to-satisfactory AQI days. That's less than 22% of the whole year.

Delhi's new air quality monitoring stations show only a minor impact on pollution calculations, with average AQI changing by just one point so far.

Delhi’s average winter air quality graph over the past 10 years is not linear. But when all factors are taken into account, one thing is unmistakably clear.

AQI jumped over 60 points in 24 hours, with pollution expected to ease as stronger surface winds set in later this week.

The 2026-27 Budget estimate has made drastic cuts to the funding of pollution control boards, CAQM, and NCAP.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region has revoked Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan after a sustained improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

In 2025, Delhi met the national PM2.5 air quality standard on only 156 out of 365 days. This accounted for just 43 per cent of the year, with only four such days recorded during the winter season, which remained the most polluted period.

Delhi’s air quality hit a severe AQI of 440, marking the most polluted January in two years, due to stagnant winds and rising emissions.

New Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category on Sunday, with AQI readings touching levels last seen two years ago, making the second half of January among the worst on record.

O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de Delhi saltou acentuadamente para a zona “severa” mais tóxica no domingo, marcando o dia de janeiro mais poluído em dois anos, com o AQI atingindo 440 e dominando a cidade.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 440, making it the city’s worst January air quality in two years as weak winds and higher emissions trapped pollution.

Severe pollution grips national capital as unfavourable weather and emissions push AQI higher

Around 3,746 vehicles were issued challans for lacking valid pollution certificates within 24 hours, while hundreds were turned back at border crossings.

For over 19 hours, the AQI maxed out at 500 at Rohini — 6 pm on Sunday to 1 pm on Monday. From 2 pm onwards, Rohini’s AQI was unavailable on Monday. “Insufficient data” was stated as the reason.

On Sunday, Delhi's air crossed the 'severe plus' category for the first time this winter—with a 24-hour average air quality index of 461—the second-worst AQI reading for December since the system was launched in April 2015.

Among the worst affected areas were Jahangirpuri and Mundka — both recording an AQI of 499, Bawana  at 498 and other regions which neared the 500 mark.

Wazirpur, Rohini And Ashok Vihar Lead Delhi’s Wall Of Shame

All 40 monitoring stations in Delhi show 'red', meaning AQI in the 'severe' category.

Revoking Stage III restrictions may give a false sense of security, as 'severe' AQI persists in parts of Delhi.

Delhi AQI data gap explained: The world’s most polluted capital city is still largely flying blind when it comes to understanding the full scope of the toxic air its residents breathe.