Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to the severe category, with the AQI crossing 400 in several neighbourhoods and the Commission for Air Quality Management enforcing Stage II measures under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. The restrictions were introduced as pollution rose ahead of Diwali and adverse weather conditions worsened the city’s air quality.
CPCB readings displayed at 8.30 am showed Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI among the locations listed, at 451. Rohini recorded 431, Punjabi Bagh 424, Alipur 415, Vivek Vihar 411, Bawana 409, Delhi Technological University 409 and Narela 408. More than 20 other areas remained in the 300-400 range.
Delhi’s average AQI was recorded at 324 on Monday, placing it in the very poor category. The average had been 261 on November 1 and 117 on October 31, according to the report. The deterioration was attributed to unfavourable weather conditions, with pollution levels expected to remain in the very poor range over the following days.
Under the AQI classification cited by the Central Pollution Control Board, readings from 301 to 400 fall in the very poor category, while 401 to 500 are classified as severe. GRAP Stage II is activated when Delhi’s air quality reaches the 301-400 range, with the CAQM sub-committee taking the decision based on pollution levels and meteorological forecasts. Measures from Stage I continue alongside the additional restrictions.
The CAQM has asked residents to reduce the use of private vehicles and rely on buses and the Delhi Metro. It has also encouraged employers and institutions to consider work-from-home arrangements. In response to the worsening pollution, the Delhi Metro announced 20 additional train trips on Monday.
The measures also include increased mechanical cleaning and water sprinkling on major roads. Dust-control measures are to be intensified at pollution hotspots and construction sites, while resident welfare associations have been asked to pay closer attention to local cleanliness. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid burning wood and waste in the open.
The deterioration is also visible along the Yamuna. Toxic foam was reported floating again near Kalindi Kunj, prompting preparations ahead of the Chhath festival. The report said chemicals were being sprayed in the river to address the foam, although it did not provide details of the substance used or the duration of the treatment.
The latest restrictions place transport demand, road-dust control, construction-site compliance and local waste management at the centre of Delhi-NCR’s immediate pollution response. The CAQM’s next decisions will depend on air-quality readings and weather forecasts as the region moves through the festival period.
