Delhiites are once again battling hazardous air quality as the city's pollution levels have entered the 'red zone'. On Sunday, November 9, 2025, several parts of the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, a level categorized as 'severe'. This toxic haze has prompted concerns about public health and the delayed implementation of stricter pollution control measures.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 391 at 7 a.m. on Sunday. While this figure places the city in the 'very poor' category overall, numerous monitoring stations reported AQI values exceeding 400. Specifically, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 412, Alipur reported 415, and Bawana registered the highest level at 436. Other areas with 'severe' pollution include Chandni Chowk (409), RK Puram (422), Patparganj (425), and Sonia Vihar. In comparison, the air quality in neighboring Noida was 354, Greater Noida 336, and Ghaziabad 339, all categorized as 'very poor'.
The prevailing poor air quality has raised questions about why authorities have not yet enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution based on the severity of the situation. It comprises four stages, each with increasingly stringent restrictions. Stage III is activated when the AQI reaches the 'severe' category (401-450).
Under GRAP Stage III, a number of restrictions are mandated. These include a complete ban on construction activities, with exceptions for essential projects such as healthcare facilities, metro lines, airports, and defense projects. The plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is prohibited. Major construction activities like earthwork, piling, and trenching are also banned, as are the open-air operations of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants. There are also restrictions on the transport of construction materials like sand and cement, with vehicles required to avoid unpaved routes.
Despite the 'severe' AQI readings in many areas, officials have not yet enforced GRAP Stage III, citing that the overall air quality this November has been comparatively better than the same period last year. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), coordinated pollution control measures have helped improve air quality in the first week of November compared to 2024. DPCC chairman Sandeep Kumar stated that with sustained efforts, the city may be able to avert the need for stricter curbs.
However, this decision has drawn criticism from environmental activists and concerned citizens, who argue that the current pollution levels warrant immediate action. Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System suggest that Delhi's air quality is unlikely to improve significantly in the coming days, with the AQI expected to remain in the 'very poor' category.
The Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality forecasting estimates that stubble burning accounts for nearly 30% of Delhi's pollution, while vehicular emissions contribute 15.2%. Satellite imagery indicated numerous incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on Friday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has urged the Punjab government to take urgent action to prevent stubble burning.
While authorities remain optimistic that stricter measures can be avoided, the deteriorating air quality in Delhi raises concerns about the long-term health impacts on residents. The delay in implementing GRAP Stage III has prompted questions about the effectiveness of current pollution control strategies and the need for more proactive measures to protect public health.
