Delhi Air Quality Hits 'Severe' Levels Amid Smog; Authorities Maintain Pollution Controls

Authorities have kept GRAP Stage III measures in effect to address the worsening air quality. File Photo.

Delhi’s air pollution situation worsened on Monday, November 17, 2025, as the city woke up under dense smog and dangerously toxic air. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bawana reached 427, placing the capital firmly in the “severe” category. Early morning readings across the city averaged 359, which comes under the “very poor" category. Several other areas in Delhi also recorded AQI levels that fall under the “severe” or “very poor” range.

Though there was some improvement due to strong winds, the smog remained widespread. This affected visibility and posed serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activities and use protective measures such as N95 masks and air purifiers.

Authorities have kept GRAP Stage III measures in effect to address the worsening air quality. These include halting construction work, regulating brick kilns and stone crushers, and restricting other high-emission activities across the Delhi-NCR region. Officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have also been urged to enforce stricter compliance and consider penalties for violations, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

The Supreme Court has taken note of the crisis as well. Justice P.S. Narasimha advised lawyers and court staff to avoid physical attendance during hearings, citing the health hazards posed by the polluted air. He emphasised that prolonged exposure to such severe air quality could cause long-term health damage.

Experts note that Delhi’s pollution challenges are a recurring problem during winter. Factors such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, and regional crop burning contribute to the toxic smog that blankets the city despite ongoing policy measures.

While short-term interventions like GRAP measures provide temporary relief, long-term solutions remain critical. Cleaner fuel usage, stricter emission standards, and effective regional coordination are essential to ensure that Delhi residents can breathe safely in the coming months.

The current situation serves as a reminder that air quality management in Delhi is not just a seasonal concern but a public health imperative, requiring consistent enforcement and citizen cooperation to mitigate risks effectively.