On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the skies over India’s capital region told a grim story. A thick, grey haze clung to buildings, parks, and streets—a visible reminder that the battle for breathable air is far from over. The Delhi-NCR air quality index (AQI) stood at a concerning 341, officially classified as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This comes just days after parts of the region teetered on the edge of ‘severe’ pollution, with some localities still reporting AQI levels well above 400 .
What’s even more troubling? Authorities have just lifted Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)—the most stringent set of emergency anti-pollution measures—despite the fact that the air remains hazardous for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions . This decision has sparked confusion and concern among residents who continue to wake up to stinging eyes and scratchy throats.
Table of Contents
- What Does an AQI of 341 Mean for Your Health?
- Why Was GRAP-4 Lifted Despite Toxic Air?
- Delhi-NCR Air Quality Today: A Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
- Protecting Yourself in ‘Very Poor’ Air Conditions
- Is This the New Normal for Delhi?
- Sources
What Does an AQI of 341 Mean for Your Health?
The Air Quality Index is a simple way to understand how polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be of concern. An AQI between 301 and 400 falls under the ‘very poor’ category. At this level, the entire population may begin to experience adverse health effects, but people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk .
Common symptoms you might notice include:
- Increased coughing and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath, even during light activity
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Aggravation of asthma and bronchitis
- Eye, nose, and skin irritation
Long-term exposure to such pollution is linked to serious chronic conditions, including reduced lung function, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive decline . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally .
Why Was GRAP-4 Lifted Despite Toxic Air?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures triggered based on real-time AQI data. Stage IV, or ‘severe+’ (AQI > 450), includes drastic actions like closing schools, halting construction, and implementing the odd-even vehicle scheme .
However, the current AQI of 341, while dangerous, falls below the ‘severe’ threshold (401–500) that mandates GRAP-IV. Therefore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to roll back to less stringent measures . This technicality has drawn criticism, as many argue that ‘very poor’ air is still a public health emergency that warrants stronger action, especially since localized pockets in areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur continue to report ‘severe’ readings .
Delhi-NCR Air Quality Today: A Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
While the city-wide average AQI is 341, the reality on the ground varies significantly. Real-time data from the CPCB shows a stark contrast across different monitoring stations:
| Location | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Vihar | 428 | Severe |
| Wazirpur | 412 | Severe |
| ITO | 335 | Very Poor |
| Rohini | 318 | Very Poor |
| Noida (Sector 62) | 356 | Very Poor |
| Gurgaon (IMD) | 298 | Poor |
This patchwork of pollution highlights a critical issue: a single city-wide AQI can mask dangerously high levels in specific neighborhoods, leaving residents in those areas without adequate warnings or protections .
Protecting Yourself in ‘Very Poor’ Air Conditions
When the Delhi-NCR air quality dips into the ‘very poor’ zone, taking proactive steps is essential. Here’s what health experts recommend:
- Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or prolonged time outside, especially during peak traffic hours (7–11 AM and 5–9 PM).
- Use N95/FFP2 Masks: Regular cloth masks won’t cut it. Invest in certified respirators that filter fine particulate matter (PM2.5) .
- Keep Windows Closed: Seal your home as much as possible. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in main living areas.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens can help combat oxidative stress caused by pollution .
- Monitor Real-Time AQI: Use apps like Sameer or AirVisual to track hyperlocal air quality and plan your day accordingly.
For more detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive resource on [INTERNAL_LINK:how-to-survive-delhi-smog].
Is This the New Normal for Delhi?
Historically, winter months have been the worst for air quality due to a combination of factors: stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and unfavorable meteorological conditions like low wind speed and temperature inversion . But the persistence of ‘very poor’ air well into late January 2026 is alarming.
Experts warn that without systemic, year-round interventions—not just emergency measures during winter—Delhi and its satellite cities may be locked into a cycle of chronic, hazardous air. The lifting of GRAP-4 while the air remains toxic underscores a reactive rather than preventive approach to this public health crisis.
The message is clear: clean air shouldn’t be a seasonal luxury. It’s a fundamental right. Until long-term solutions are implemented, residents must remain vigilant, informed, and empowered to protect themselves and their families.
Sources
- Times of India: Delhi-NCR air remains toxic: AQI at 341 in ‘very poor’ zone; GRAP-4 lifted
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Real-time AQI Data and Categories
- World Health Organization (WHO): Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Guidelines