Delhi Air Quality Worsens as AQI Hits 200+, Haze Blankets National Capital. New Delhi’s air quality slipped into the “poor” category on Thursday, October 22, as a layer of haze covered the capital. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 226, well above the good AQI range of 0–50. Authorities implemented Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on coal and firewood use.