Delhi AQI: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'Severe' category on Tuesday, November 11, marking the first time this season that the city has reached this level. In response to the hazardous conditions, all measures under Stage-III of the extant Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were implemented in the entire NCR by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). This is in addition to the actions under Stages I and II of GRAP already in force in Delhi.
On Wednesday, November 12, the air quality remained in the severe category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 413 at 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI had worsened after Diwali, initially falling into the 'Poor' category and then plummeting to 'Very poor' on October 19, where it remained at the same level for several weeks. With the onset of winter, the city is now shrouded in toxic smog, significantly impacting air quality.
Vivek Vihar (436), Punjabi Bagh (437), Patparganj (436), Anand Vihar (438), Alipur (431), Bawana (451), Dwarka-Sector 8 (422), ITO (433), Jahangirpuri (446), Lodhi Road (309), Pusa (423), R K Puram (432), Rohini (442), Shadipur (392), Wazirpur (459), Narela (437), Najafgarh (384).
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System For Delhi, the air quality is expected to be in the Severe category on November 11 2025. From November 12-14, it is likely to remain in the very poor category. Looking ahead to the following six days, the air quality is expected to stay in the very poor category.
Amid the worsening air quality levels, and implementation of GRAP-3 measures, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that schools up to class 5 will switch to hybrid mode, offering both online and physical classes. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, CM Gupta said, "GRAP 3 has been imposed and all the safety measures have also been taken. Schools up to class 5 will be conducted on hybrid mode- online and physical classes."
She further assured that the government has been addressing these issues for the past several months and will continue to do so. CM Gupta also briefed about the measures taken by Delhi government to curb pollution, which includes water sprinklers, dust mitigation, sweeping, garbage collection, or smoke control measures.
"We had a detailed discussion with all the departments. I also want to tell you all that the surrounding cities of Delhi have a huge impact on pollution. The measures the Delhi Govt is taking are being taken with complete sincerity. Be it water sprinklers, dust mitigation, sweeping, garbage collection, or smoke control, wherever it is required. The vehicles coming from other states, the smoke coming from other states- in the last seven-eight months of its tenure, the government has worked on these issues with all its might and is continuing to do so," Gupta said.