Cold conditions tightened their grip on the national capital on Thursday as a dense layer of smog continued to shroud the city, keeping air quality in the ‘poor’ category across several locations, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
CPCB figures showed Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 277, placing it firmly in the ‘poor’ range. Several areas witnessed a sharper deterioration in air quality, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 324, slipping into the ‘very poor’ category.
Other pollution hotspots included Chandni Chowk (320), Jahangirpuri (327), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (306) and Nehru Nagar (343), reflecting a noticeable decline in air conditions.
Some parts of the city fared marginally better in comparison. Ashok Nagar reported an AQI of 296, still categorised as ‘poor’, while areas such as IGI Airport (207), ITO (270) and Burari (231) also remained in the same bracket, CPCB data showed.
As per the AQI scale, values between 0–50 are classified as ‘good’, 51–100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 as ‘moderate’, 201–300 as ‘poor’, 301–400 as ‘very poor’ and 401–500 as ‘severe’.
The dip in air quality coincided with a spell of intense cold. On January 6, Delhi recorded its first ‘cold day’ of the season. Maximum temperatures in areas such as Palam and Lodi Road hovered between 13°C and 16°C, marking the onset of a sustained winter phase.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cold-day conditions are likely to persist through Friday, offering little immediate relief. According to IMD norms, a ‘cold day’ is declared when the maximum temperature remains 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. A drop of 6.5 degrees or more below normal qualifies as a severe cold day.
Despite the chilly weather and pollution, preparations for Republic Day continued uninterrupted at India Gate, with security personnel and parade contingents carrying on rehearsals for the upcoming national celebrations.
