Delhi Air Quality Nears ‘Severe’; 24 of 39 Stations Record AQI Above 400

Delhi-NCR awoke to a toxic haze today, as the Air Quality Index surged to 391 across the capital—the highest seasonal spike yet—with 24 of 39 monitoring stations recording AQI above 400, firmly in the “severe” category. Areas including Rohini (435), Bawana (426), Nehru Nagar (426), RK Puram (422), and ITO (420) registered the worst readings, while neighbouring Noida (391), Ghaziabad (387), and Greater Noida (366) also choked under “very poor” to “severe” levels. Gurugram remained marginally better at 252 but still in the “poor” zone, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

The sudden deterioration followed a 24-hour average AQI of 361 reported by CPCB, driven by plummeting night temperatures around 13°C, near-stagnant wind speeds, and persistent fog that trapped pollutants close to the ground. The India Meteorological Department confirmed no rainfall is expected over the next week, allowing the deadly mix of vehicular emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning to intensify. Saturday already ranked Delhi as India’s most polluted major city, with the latest surge pushing large parts of the National Capital Region into health-emergency territory.

Health authorities warned that prolonged exposure to AQI above 400 dramatically raises risks of respiratory illness, heart complications, and lung damage, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Doctors urged residents to avoid outdoor activity, especially during early mornings and late evenings, and to use N95 masks when venturing out. Schools in several NCR districts shifted to online classes, and authorities hinted at reimposing Stage III GRAP restrictions if the trend continues.

Also Read: Delhi Chokes on Smog While Ministers are Protected by Secretariat Air Purifiers

With cold winds and dense morning fog forecast to persist, Delhi’s air crisis has reached a critical juncture barely a week into November. Experts say the lethal combination of meteorological stagnation and unchecked local pollution sources has turned the capital’s winter air into a public-health emergency, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement and regional coordination to prevent a repeat of past “severe-plus” episodes.

Also Read: Amitabh Kant Criticises the Supreme Court; Urges Delhi to Adopt Five-Year Pollution-Free Plan