Delhi Declares Air Emergency as AQI Crosses 400
January 15, 2026 - India's capital has declared a public health emergency as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 400, entering the "Hazardous" category.
Emergency Measures Activated
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented GRAP Stage IV (Severe Plus) measures:
- Schools closed - All primary schools shut until further notice
- Construction ban - All non-essential construction halted
- Vehicle restrictions - Enhanced odd-even scheme enforcement
- Industrial curbs - Non-essential industries closed
- Work from home - Government offices at 50% capacity
What's Causing the Crisis?
Multiple factors converged to create perfect storm conditions:
Meteorological Factors
- Low wind speed - Stagnant air over the Indo-Gangetic plain
- Temperature inversion - Cold air trapping pollutants
- Low mixing layer height - Vertical dispersion limited
Local Sources
- Vehicle emissions - 10+ million vehicles in NCR
- Industrial pollution - Power plants and factories
- Construction dust - Massive infrastructure projects
- Waste burning - Illegal garbage and leaf burning
Regional Contributors
- Stubble burning - Post-harvest crop residue burning in Punjab, Haryana
- Transboundary pollution - Industrial emissions from neighboring states
Health Impact
Doctors report surge in respiratory cases:
- 30% increase in hospital OPD visits
- Emergency admissions up for asthma and COPD
- Lung irritation reported across all age groups
- Long-term risk - PM2.5 particles penetrate deep into lungs
International Comparison
Delhi's current AQI of 425 is:
- 8x higher than WHO annual guideline (5 μg/m³)
- 17x higher than WHO 24-hour guideline (15 μg/m³)
- Equivalent to smoking 25+ cigarettes per day
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts suggest improvement with:
- Western disturbances expected by January 18
- Increased wind speeds may clear pollutants
- However, seasonal pattern likely to continue through February
Expert Commentary
"This is not just an environmental issue, it's a public health emergency. We need sustained action, not just emergency measures when things get catastrophic."
— Dr. Arvind Kumar, Lung Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital