Delhi woke up to a severe air pollution crisis on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 439 at 7 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The level worsened overnight from 432 at 10 p.m. on Saturday. Several parts of the city showed alarming pollution figures: Anand Vihar (489), Ashok Vihar (463), Bawana (467), Chandni Chowk (464), Dwarka Sector 8 (469), ITO (448), Narela (412), Punjabi Bagh (476), RK Puram (467), and Wazirpur (478). All these are in the 'severe' AQI range, which indicates dangerous air quality. The cold wave and dense fog added to the discomfort. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog in the morning along with temperatures between 5 and 7°C, below normal by up to 3°C. This created poor visibility across the city. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reactivated Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The CAQM order stated: "Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure." The order also noted that pollution control boards and other agencies have been asked to intensify efforts to stop further pollution rise. Authorities urged people to reduce outdoor activity and follow health advice strictly, especially vulnerable groups like children, elderly, and those with breathing or heart problems.