Delhi is currently grappling with hazardous air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has breached the 400 mark, plunging the city into the 'severe' category. This signifies a sharp deterioration in air quality, with a thick smog enveloping the National Capital Region (NCR).
As of November 2nd, 2025, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's average AQI at 372 at 6:30 am, marking a significant overnight decline. Several neighborhoods are experiencing even more alarming conditions, with Wazirpur (425), RK Puram (418), Bawana (410), Rohini (409), and Dwarka (401) all exceeding the 'severe' threshold. Across the capital, most monitoring stations registered AQI levels between 300 and 400, reflecting the city's widespread struggle with air pollution. The neighboring NCR region is also affected, with Faridabad (312), Gurugram (325), Noida (301), Greater Noida (308), and Ghaziabad (322) recording similarly poor air quality.
Meteorological factors are contributing to the crisis. Calm winds and high humidity are trapping pollutants, preventing their dispersion. Visibility has been significantly reduced, with Delhi's primary weather station at Safdarjung reporting 900 meters and Palam recording 1,300 meters, both shrouded in smog. Wind speeds are low, around 4 kmph, insufficient to clear the heavy air.
Exposure to such severe air quality poses significant health risks. Inhaling toxic air for extended periods can worsen respiratory ailments, cause eye irritation, and increase the risk of lung infections. Health experts recommend that residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with asthma, limit outdoor activities. It is also advised to wear masks when outdoors and keep windows closed to maintain cleaner indoor air. Using indoor air purifiers can further reduce exposure to harmful particles.
When Delhi's AQI surpasses 400, the air is categorized as “severe,” which can be extremely harmful to everyone, especially those with respiratory or heart issues. Outdoor exercise, jogging, or any strenuous activity increases respiratory rate, leading to the inhalation of more polluted air, which can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Prolonged exposure outdoors can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, worsen asthma, and increase the risk of long-term health issues. Keeping windows and doors closed helps to keep polluted air outside, maintaining a relatively cleaner indoor environment. Construction activities release dust and harmful particles that worsen air quality, so it's best to stay away from construction or dusty areas.
While green spaces like parks are typically beneficial, in high pollution, trees can accumulate particulate matter, and the air may not be as fresh, so one should avoid spending long periods near green spaces in high pollution.
