Delhi's air quality has plummeted to hazardous levels, prompting a leading pulmonologist to advise vulnerable residents to consider leaving the city. As a thick smog blanketed the capital on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared, reaching 'severe' levels in many areas.

The citywide average AQI reached 421, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI values in the 'severe' range, while others reported 'very poor' levels. Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI at 439. An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered 'severe', posing a health risk to everyone.

Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, urged those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions to temporarily relocate to less polluted areas for 6-8 weeks. He emphasized that prolonged exposure to Delhi's toxic air could worsen existing health problems, leading to breathlessness and increased dependence on oxygen.

"If you can afford it, leave Delhi," Dr. Khilnani told The Indian Express, highlighting the severity of the situation. He noted that air pollution is now a major contributor to respiratory illnesses, with a growing number of younger, non-smoking individuals developing lung cancer.

The deteriorating air quality has triggered a surge in respiratory complaints among Delhi-NCR residents. Experts warn that the period from November 1st to 15th is historically the most polluted time in Delhi. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that air quality will remain in the 'very poor' to 'severe' category for the next few days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already implemented Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region. This includes measures such as increased parking fees and a ban on certain commercial vehicles. BS-III and below commercial vehicles not registered in Delhi are banned from entering the city. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has doubled parking fees across the city.

The Delhi government is also taking steps to combat pollution, including switching to electric buses and exploring cloud seeding. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is committed to reducing pollution levels.

In the face of the worsening air quality, many companies are allowing employees to work from home. Some residents are taking "smog breaks," with travel agencies reporting a surge in last-minute bookings to nearby hill stations and coastal areas. Destinations like Rishikesh, Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Goa are seeing increased interest from Delhi residents seeking cleaner air.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advises citizens to avoid outdoor activities during morning and late evening hours and to keep windows closed. They recommend using N95 or N99 masks and air purifiers to reduce exposure to pollutants.

As Delhi grapples with another severe air pollution crisis, health experts and authorities are urging residents to take all possible precautions to protect themselves. The combination of unfavorable weather conditions and local pollution sources has created a public health emergency, leaving many to consider temporary relocation as the only viable solution.