Tue Jan 20 05:41:02 UTC 2026: Headline: Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’ Despite Slight Improvement

The Story:
Delhi’s air quality, after a three-day stretch of ‘severe’ pollution, showed a marginal improvement on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, settling into the ‘very poor’ category with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395. While this represents a slight dip from the ‘severe’ levels exceeding 400 experienced over the weekend, the situation remains critical. A significant number of monitoring stations continue to report ‘severe’ air quality, particularly in areas like Wazirpur (AQI 445), Anand Vihar (AQI 444), and Jahangirpuri (AQI 443). Forecasts predict that air quality will remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next two days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had previously implemented Stage 4 restrictions in response to the ‘severe’ air pollution. Weather conditions offer little respite, with the minimum temperature recorded at 7.2 degrees Celsius, contributing to the persistent smog.

Key Points:

  • On January 20, 2026, Delhi’s average AQI was 395, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.
  • 23 monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ air quality, 14 reported ‘very poor’, and 1 reported ‘poor’.
  • Wazirpur, Anand Vihar, and Jahangirpuri recorded the worst air quality.
  • The CAQM implemented Stage 4 restrictions due to previous days of ‘severe’ pollution.
  • The Air Quality Warning System forecasts continued ‘very poor’ air quality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delhi’s air pollution crisis persists despite temporary improvements.
  • Localized hotspots continue to experience dangerously high levels of pollution.
  • Weather conditions are exacerbating the problem.
  • Government interventions, like Stage 4 restrictions, have had limited immediate impact.
  • Long-term solutions are crucial to address the recurring air quality issues in Delhi.

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