Delhi AQI is very poor – choking again as air quality dips into the ‘inferior’ zone — a recurring crisis that continues to haunt the national capital every winter.
Delhi’s air quality plunged back into the ‘very poor’ category on Friday, November 7, 2025, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 320 in several parts of the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), more than 30 out of 38 monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 300, with Anand Vihar, Rohini, and Jahangirpuri breaching the 400 mark, entering the ‘severe’ zone.
The visual sight of smog blanketing the skyline and a sharp decline in visibility at major intersections like ITO, Dwarka, and Connaught Place served as a grim reminder of the city’s annual battle with toxic air.
Delhi AQI is very poor
The situation is expected to persist for the next six days, with experts warning that stagnant winds, low temperatures, and ongoing stubble burning in neighbouring states will continue to trap pollutants over the capital. The air quality, already at unhealthy levels, could worsen further over the weekend if wind direction changes unfavorably.
The Factors Behind Delhi’s Air Quality Decline
- Stubble Burning Intensifies: Punjab and Haryana have reported a spike in farm fire incidents this week, with over 2,700 cases in the past 48 hours. Satellite data suggests that crop residue burning now contributes to nearly 35% of Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration. The pungent smell of burning residue mixed with vehicular fumes has turned the city’s air into a cocktail of toxins.
- Weather Conditions: The onset of winter has slowed wind speeds to under 10 km/h, reducing the dispersion of pollutants. The temperature inversion layer is keeping smog trapped closer to the ground, turning the early mornings and late evenings into breathing nightmares.
- Urban Pollution: Vehicular emissions remain the single largest contributor within Delhi, accounting for almost 40% of PM2.5 locally. Construction dust, open garbage burning, and industrial emissions have compounded the crisis, pushing the city’s AQI higher each passing day.
What the Forecast Says: Delhi AQI is very poor
The Air Quality Early Warning System (IITM) has predicted that Delhi’s air quality will remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range for the next six days. Meteorologists note that a change in wind direction or light rainfall could bring temporary relief, but neither is expected before mid-November. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has further cautioned that the night temperatures will drop, and humidity levels will rise — creating conditions ideal for smog formation.
Neighbouring NCR cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram are also reporting similar AQI levels between 280 and 350, making the entire region a pollution hotspot. Trains arriving in Delhi have reported reduced visibility, and several flights were delayed or rescheduled due to dense haze near the runway areas.
Health Impact: Capital in a Cloud of Hazard
At AQI levels above 300, the air poses health risks for everyone:
- Increased respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
- Aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and heart conditions.
- Greater vulnerability among children, elderly, and outdoor workers.
- Eye irritation, headaches, and fatigue even among healthy adults.
Doctors across major hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung have urged citizens to stay indoors, use N95 masks when outside, and keep air purifiers on in enclosed spaces. Hospitals across Delhi have reported a 25% rise in patients with breathing difficulties in the past week, with outpatient departments seeing long queues of people complaining of chest congestion and eye burning.
Government Response: GRAP Measures in Force
The Delhi government has reactivated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Phase III, which includes: Delhi AQI is very poor
- Ban on construction and demolition activities.
- Restriction on the use of diesel generators.
- Closure of brick kilns and polluting industries.
- Intensified water sprinkling and road cleaning.
- Strict monitoring of vehicular emissions and roadside dust.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that special enforcement drives have been launched to curb open waste burning and vehicular pollution. Mobile teams of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been deployed to check violations in industrial areas, while the traffic police are focusing on emissions from old diesel vehicles.
Authorities have also warned that if conditions worsen further, Phase IV — including school closures and work-from-home advisories — could be implemented. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has asked the government to submit a status report on GRAP enforcement and stubble management measures within one week.
How Citizens Can Stay Safe: Delhi AQI is very poor
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially early morning and late evening.
- Use air purifiers at home and office.
- Drink plenty of fluids and include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet.
- Monitor real-time AQI levels via CPCB or SAFAR apps.
- Prefer public transport or carpooling to reduce emissions.
- Keep indoor plants like snake plant or peace lily that help purify the air.
- Wash face and hands frequently to remove particulate matter residues.
The Larger Issue: Delhi’s Annual Smog Crisis
Every year, as the festival season ends and winter begins, Delhi transforms into a pollution hotspot. Despite years of warnings, multiple policy interventions, and judicial oversight, the capital’s toxic air problem persists. Experts believe the issue lies not in the lack of laws but in the absence of coordinated implementation between states and agencies.
The combination of geography, climate, and policy paralysis makes Delhi’s situation unique yet predictable. Vehicular growth, dependence on fossil fuels, lack of electric mobility adoption, and unregulated construction are deep-rooted contributors. Without serious investment in green public transport, cleaner fuels, and agricultural reforms, Delhi’s winters will continue to be synonymous with smog.
Conclusion: Delhi AQI is very poor
As Delhi’s AQI remains stuck in the ‘very poor’ zone with no respite in sight, the capital once again finds itself at the mercy of weather and administrative response. The choking haze hovering over India’s capital is not merely an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency that demands long-term action, not short-term firefighting. Until policymakers, industries, and citizens collectively take responsibility, Delhi will continue to wake up each winter under a toxic sky.
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Author: Team BTP
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