Delhi is bracing for another winter of hazardous air quality, despite numerous policy interventions aimed at curbing pollution. As temperatures drop, experts warn that the city's air quality will likely remain poor, posing significant health risks, especially for individuals with heart conditions.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has already deteriorated to the "very poor" category. On October 26, 2025, the AQI was recorded at 322. Several areas in the city have recorded AQI levels above 350, with Anand Vihar reaching a "severe" level of 430. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as "very poor," while an AQI between 401 and 450 is considered "severe".
The familiar blanket of smog has already descended upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Reduced visibility and hazy conditions are becoming increasingly common, prompting concerns among residents and authorities alike. The Ministry of Earth Sciences reported an AQI of 318 on a recent Sunday, with further deterioration expected.
The Delhi government is preparing to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding in an attempt to combat the worsening smog. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the first artificial rain is likely to occur on October 29, pending favorable conditions. A successful trial flight was previously conducted over the Burari area. Cloud seeding involves releasing a mixture of silver iodide, iodized salt, and rock salt into moisture-rich clouds to stimulate rainfall. It is hoped that the induced rainfall will help wash away the pollutants.
Health experts are advising residents to take precautions during periods of high pollution. Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS Director, cautioned that the current pollution levels could lead to acute health effects, particularly for those with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. Symptoms may include chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, cough, and the worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD. Cardiologists warn that exposure to high levels of particulate matter can increase blood pressure, cause inflammation in blood vessels, and trigger cardiac events. They recommend that patients avoid outdoor exposure during high pollution hours, manage stress levels, take prescribed medication regularly, and closely monitor their heart health.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR. This involves measures such as deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers to reduce particulate matter. The Delhi government's environment department has also outlined 11 areas to tackle air pollution, including dust management from construction and demolition, mitigation of dust from roads, control of fires in landfills, and prevention of open burning of municipal solid waste. Other interventions include promoting electric mobility, controlling vehicular pollution, augmenting public transport, and greening and plantation programs.
Despite these efforts, experts remain concerned about the long-term outlook. Anurag Agrawal, dean of biosciences and health research at Ashoka University, predicts that the situation will worsen as the cold settles in and airflow slows down. The key variable, he notes, is the flow of air in the region, which is necessary to remove the constant production of pollutants.
While technological interventions and policy measures are important, some experts argue that a broader approach is needed. This includes stricter enforcement of existing laws on waste burning and pollution checks for industries and vehicles, as well as better management of public transport and traffic. Citizens also have a crucial role to play by abiding by the rules and supporting efforts to reduce pollution.
