Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the ‘severe’ category, sparking renewed concern over the capital’s ongoing pollution crisis. The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 413 at 7:05 AM on Wednesday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a sharp deterioration from earlier this week, with pollution levels crossing the 400 mark on the 500-point scale on November 11.
Out of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the city, 33 reported ‘severe’ air pollution levels, highlighting the extent of the crisis. Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such toxic air can cause far-reaching health complications — from chronic respiratory diseases to weakened immunity and even cancer.
According to the State of Global Air 2025 report, India witnessed over two million deaths linked to air pollution in 2023, with South Asia recording some of the world’s highest concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Pulmonologist Dr. Rakesh K. Chawla of Rohini’s Jaipur Golden Hospital emphasized that the capital is facing a full-scale public health emergency. “Delhi represents the sharp edge of India’s air-pollution crisis,” he said. “This isn’t just a seasonal inconvenience; it’s a relentless attack on our lungs that weakens immunity, worsens asthma, and accelerates chronic lung diseases. Clean air must be recognized as a fundamental right, not a privilege dictated by weather conditions.”
Stage III of GRAP Activated
In response to the worsening conditions, the Central government on November 11 implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the sudden spike in pollution to unfavourable weather and stagnant atmospheric conditions, which trap pollutants close to the surface.
Restrictions Under GRAP Stage III
Under the latest restrictions:
- Construction and demolition activities are banned, except for essential public projects such as roads, railways, metro, and airport works.
- Industrial units operating with unapproved fuels have been directed to suspend operations.
- Delhi-registered diesel-run Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and certain non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) are barred from entry, except those carrying essential goods.
Authorities have also intensified dust suppression efforts, including mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling, to reduce particulate pollution.
Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode
As a precautionary measure, schools up to Class 5 in Delhi-NCR have switched to hybrid learning, allowing students to attend classes either online or offline, depending on digital access at home.
With the air quality showing no immediate signs of improvement, experts have urged residents to minimize outdoor exposure, use N95 masks, and keep indoor air purifiers on. The government continues to monitor conditions closely, with the possibility of moving to Stage IV — the highest GRAP alert — if pollution levels persist.