The national capital woke up to a toxic haze on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as the air quality dipped into the ‘severe’ category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 391 at 7 a.m., according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several parts of Delhi crossed the 400-mark, signalling extremely hazardous conditions that could impact the health of residents across age groups.
City Chokes as AQI Crosses 400 in Multiple Areas
Pollution levels in the capital reached alarming heights, with major monitoring stations reporting AQI levels between 410 and 436. Among the most affected areas were Bawana (436), Patparganj (425), RK Puram (422), Chandni Chowk (409), and Anand Vihar (412). Localities like Alipur (415) and Sonia Vihar (415) also remained in the ‘severe’ range, underscoring the widespread deterioration in air quality.
Residents reported a visible smog blanket across the city, with reduced visibility and irritation in the eyes and throat. Doctors and environmentalists have warned that prolonged exposure to such levels of pollution could lead to respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.
A Week of Rising Pollution: From ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe’
The latest spike in pollution follows a steady decline in air quality over the past week. On Saturday, November 8, the city’s AQI stood at 355 (‘very poor’), while on Friday, November 7, it was 312 (‘very poor’). Just two days earlier, on Thursday, November 6, the AQI was 271 (‘poor’). The consistent worsening of air quality paints a grim picture of post-festive pollution in the capital region.
CPCB data shows that multiple stations have reported dangerously high levels throughout the week. Localities such as Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, and Okhla Phase-II have remained in the ‘very poor’ category for consecutive days, suggesting widespread and persistent air stagnation across Delhi-NCR.
Impact of Post-Festive Pollution and GRAP Measures
Experts attribute this decline to a combination of post-Deepavali firecracker emissions, crop residue burning in neighbouring states, and stagnant wind patterns that trap pollutants near the surface. Despite Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being in effect, the impact on ground conditions appears limited.
Under GRAP Stage II, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has already doubled parking fees across the capital to discourage vehicular traffic, one of the key contributors to urban air pollution. Additional restrictions on construction and waste-burning have also been imposed, but officials acknowledge that stricter enforcement and meteorological support will be needed for substantial improvement.
Understanding the AQI Scale
The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a measure of pollutant concentration and health risk. As per CPCB guidelines:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
With large parts of Delhi crossing the 400 threshold, the current conditions fall into the ‘severe’ category, where even healthy individuals may experience breathing difficulties, and vulnerable groups face serious health risks.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi’s Air
Meteorologists predict that air quality may remain in the ‘severe’ or upper ‘very poor’ range for the next few days due to stagnant winds and temperature inversion. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, with the possibility of implementing GRAP Stage III, which includes a ban on certain diesel vehicles and construction activities, if pollution levels remain unchanged.
Environmentalists stress the need for long-term solutions such as cleaner transportation, improved waste management, and reduced stubble burning in nearby states to prevent such recurring crises each winter.
