Delhi's Air Quality Plummets Again: Severe Pollution Levels Recorded

Delhi is facing a severe air quality crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. Recent reports indicate that six monitoring stations recorded values above 400, categorizing the air as 'severe'. The national capital has been grappling with poor air quality since mid-October, prompting the implementation of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan. These measures include bans on non-essential construction and a shift to hybrid classes for primary schools. Factors such as stubble burning and vehicular emissions contribute to this ongoing issue. The Supreme Court has called for a report on pollution mitigation efforts, highlighting the urgency of addressing this environmental crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 10:54 IST

Deteriorating Air Quality in Delhi

On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi saw a significant decline, with six out of 39 monitoring stations reporting values exceeding 400, which falls under the 'severe' category, according to the Sameer application at 10:05 AM.

The average AQI for the national capital was recorded at 368, as per the hourly updates from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Just a day prior, the overall AQI had reached 372, marking an increase from 304 on Monday and 279 on Sunday.

An AQI reading between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good', while values from 51 to 100 are considered 'satisfactory'. Readings from 101 to 200 indicate 'moderate' air quality. As the index rises, air quality worsens, with 201 to 300 being 'poor', and 301 to 400 categorized as 'very poor'.

Values between 401 and 450 signify 'severe' air pollution, and anything above 450 is labeled as 'severe plus'.

When the AQI falls into the 'severe' category, it indicates hazardous pollution levels that can pose serious health risks even to individuals without pre-existing conditions.

In nearby areas, Noida recorded an AQI of 386, while Ghaziabad reported 356, and Greater Noida had an index of 343.

Since mid-October, Delhi's air quality has consistently been in the 'poor' or worse categories, prompting the implementation of Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 11.

GRAP consists of a series of incremental measures aimed at combating air pollution once it reaches critical levels in the Delhi-NCR region.

Stage 3 restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction activities and the closure of stone crushers and mining operations, in addition to previously imposed measures under Stages 1 and 2.

Furthermore, primary schools up to Class 5 have shifted to a hybrid mode, allowing parents and students to choose between offline and online classes where available.

The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles is also restricted in Delhi and the NCR. Bharat Stage Emission Standards are regulations established by the Indian government to limit air pollutants from vehicles.

However, on November 26, the Commission for Air Quality Management lifted the Stage 3 restrictions, citing improvements in air quality, while GRAP 1 and GRAP 2 measures remain active.

Air quality in Delhi typically worsens during the winter months, often ranking it as the world's most polluted capital.

Factors contributing to this issue include stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, firecracker usage during Diwali, vehicular emissions, lower temperatures, reduced wind speeds, and pollution from industries and coal-fired power plants.

Recently, the Supreme Court instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management to provide a report within a week on actions taken to mitigate pollution sources, including vehicular emissions and construction dust.

This commission was established in 2020 to tackle pollution in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas.