Despite the city recording an improved overall AQI of 222, a layer of smog was visible around India Gate, where Republic Day parade rehearsals continued as scheduled.
New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality improved to the ‘poor’ category on Saturday, after remaining in the ‘very poor’ range for several days, as the national capital experienced a chilly and windy morning.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to decline, with the city recording an overall AQI of 222.
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Among major monitoring stations, Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 248, R.K. Puram 252, Rohini 270 and Mundka 281. Chandni Chowk registered an AQI of 272, while the ITO area recorded 219. Air quality was comparatively better in Bawana, where the AQI stood at 145, and at Indira Gandhi International Airport, which recorded an AQI of 148.
Despite the improvement, a layer of smog was visible around India Gate, where Republic Day parade rehearsals continued as scheduled. Reduced visibility did not disrupt preparations, with security personnel and participants carrying on with the drills.
GRAP-III revoked, citizens urged to remain vigilant
On Friday evening, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas revoked Stage III restrictions, citing a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions.
Authorities, however, urged residents to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stages I and II of the GRAP to prevent a further deterioration in air quality.
The commission clarified that construction and demolition sites previously ordered to shut due to violations or non-compliance with statutory rules and guidelines would not be allowed to resume operations without explicit approval.
The Sub-Committee said it would continue to closely monitor air quality levels and review the situation periodically, taking further action as required based on forecasts provided by the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Cold wave continues
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi’s temperature hovered around 10 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning. Fog was observed in the early hours, though weather conditions are expected to improve from Saturday onwards. The IMD forecast the city’s maximum temperature to range between 15°C and 17°C, while the minimum is likely to remain between 8°C and 9°C.
ANI
Published: 03 Jan 2026, 10:45 am IST
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