Sun Jan 18 03:28:03 UTC 2026: ### Delhi Chokes Under “Severe” Air Pollution, Stage-IV GRAP Measures Reinvoked

The Story:

New Delhi is once again grappling with a severe air pollution crisis. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 439 at 7 a.m., placing the city firmly in the “severe” category. This deterioration follows a concerning trend from the previous evening, with the AQI at 432 at 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 17. The persistent high pollution levels, coupled with dense fog and cold wave conditions, have prompted authorities to reinvoke Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Key Points:

  • Delhi’s AQI reached 439 on Sunday, January 18, 2026, classifying the air quality as “severe.”
  • Several areas reported alarmingly high pollution levels, including Anand Vihar (489), Ashok Vihar (463), and Wazirpur (478).
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
  • Dense fog and cold wave conditions persist, with minimum temperatures hovering between 5 and 7°C.
  • Authorities are urging citizens to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delhi’s air pollution problem remains a persistent and critical issue, requiring continuous and escalated intervention.
  • The implementation of GRAP Stage-IV measures indicates the severity of the situation and the potential health risks to the population.
  • The combination of pollution, fog, and cold weather exacerbates the health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

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