Delhi Air Quality Dips to 'Very Poor' Despite Lohri Ban
Delhi's AQI worsens to 'very poor' as Lohri campfires defy ban.
Photo by Ronak Naik
Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' on Tuesday, with areas like Anand Vihar, Nehru Nagar, and Chandni Chowk plunging into the 'severe' category. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was 360 at 4 p.m. and worsened to 366 by 10 p.m.
The Central Pollution Control Board forecasts 'very poor' air quality for the next six days. People celebrated Lohri by lighting campfires despite a ban on open burning of wood or coal. The city recorded a minimum of 3 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21.6 degrees Celsius.
The weather department issued an orange alert for cold wave conditions for Wednesday.
Key Facts
Delhi AQI: 360 ('very poor') at 4 p.m.
Lohri: Campfires defied burning ban
Weather: Orange alert for cold wave
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Pollution
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Potential for questions on environmental legislation, pollution control mechanisms, and government policies
Visual Insights
Delhi Air Quality - January 2026
Map showing areas in Delhi with 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' air quality on the day of Lohri, January 2026.
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More Information
Background
The issue of air pollution in Delhi is not a recent phenomenon, but rather a culmination of decades of industrial growth, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices. The problem gained significant attention in the 1990s, leading to the introduction of measures such as the phasing out of older vehicles and the promotion of CNG-powered public transport.
The establishment of bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the implementation of environmental legislation like the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 were critical steps in addressing the issue. However, the rapid urbanization and economic growth of the 21st century have presented new challenges, requiring more comprehensive and innovative solutions.
Latest Developments
In recent years, efforts to combat Delhi's air pollution have intensified. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), outlines measures to be taken based on air quality levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established in 2021 to coordinate efforts across states in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and the expansion of public transport networks are also key strategies. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including the enforcement of regulations, the management of agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, and the impact of climate change on weather patterns.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: 1. It empowers the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to set air quality standards. 2. It provides for the establishment of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). 3. It allows citizens to file lawsuits against polluting industries without prior approval from the SPCB. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. While the Act empowers the CPCB and provides for SPCBs, citizens generally require prior approval from the SPCB to file lawsuits against polluting industries.
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in Delhi to combat air pollution?
- A.Ban on entry of trucks into Delhi
- B.Odd-even scheme for private vehicles
- C.Construction ban
- D.Subsidized housing for construction workers
Show Answer
Answer: D
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) includes measures like banning truck entry, implementing the odd-even scheme, and construction bans, but does not include subsidized housing for construction workers.
3. Assertion (A): Delhi's air quality often deteriorates to 'very poor' or 'severe' levels during winter months. Reason (R): Stubble burning in neighboring states and unfavorable meteorological conditions contribute to the accumulation of pollutants. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why Delhi's air quality deteriorates during winter months.
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