New Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'very poor' category, hovering around 384. A thick layer of haze and fog has enveloped the capital, making it difficult for residents to breathe.
For the past several days, Delhi's air quality has remained stagnant, with numerous locations registering AQI levels exceeding 400. On November 19, 2025, sixteen locations across Delhi-NCR recorded AQIs in the 'severe' category. Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 446, followed closely by Bawana at 444 and Jahangirpuri at 442. Chandni Chowk, Ashok Vihar, DTU, and Vivek Vihar registered AQIs in the 430-440 range.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted shallow to moderate fog for the coming days. The relative humidity was at 100%. The minimum temperature was 8.3 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average, while the maximum temperature is expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had previously revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a slight improvement in air quality. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR when air pollution reaches hazardous levels. Stage III restrictions, which included a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, have been lifted, but Stages I and II remain in effect with stricter enforcement. Construction sites that were shut down for violations will remain closed until cleared by the Commission.
The Air Quality Early Warning System of the Ministry of Earth Sciences forecasts that Delhi's AQI will likely remain in the 'very poor' range for the next five days. Satellite imagery detected farm fire incidents in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. According to the Decision Support System of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, vehicular emissions contribute 18.1% to the pollution, while stubble burning accounts for 5.4%.
Exposure to Delhi's air is reportedly equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes a day. A recent study identified Delhi as the most polluted state/union territory in India, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the national limit by 2.5 times. The PM2.5 concentration was measured at 345 µg/m³, significantly higher than the WHO's recommended limit of 15 µg/m³.
The Supreme Court has granted the CAQM the authority to take proactive measures to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. This includes the option to implement GRAP IV restrictions, such as work-from-home mandates and reduced office attendance.
