New Delhi, November 24, 2025:
Delhi woke up to another morning of dense, grey smog on Monday with the city’s air quality slipping deeper into the “very poor” and “severe” zones. According to early morning readings, the citywide AQI averaged 396, while several pockets crossed 400, triggering fresh concern among residents and health experts.
Neighbourhoods such as Ghazipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Narela and Rohini remained among the worst affected, with visibility sharply reduced and the familiar toxic haze returning across major roads.
Residents reported throat irritation, breathing difficulty and stinging eyes within minutes of stepping outside. Hospitals and clinics in Old Delhi and East Delhi confirmed a visible spike in pollution-related cases.
A Morning That Looked Like Mid-Winter: What Delhi Saw Today
The city’s skyline wore a heavy grey cast as early commuters found familiar landmarks fading into smog. Several flyovers and arterial roads experienced slow traffic movement as visibility dipped.
Market areas, including parts of Daryaganj, Seelampur and Mayur Vihar, saw fewer morning walkers, while schools reported lower attendance in early classes.
“Patients are coming in with wheezing and irritation even before noon,” said a senior pulmonologist at a South Delhi hospital. “This is a pollutant load that the human body cannot just ‘get used to’. Each exposure adds to long-term harm.”
Why the Air Turned Worse Despite Restrictions
Meteorologists and environmental agencies trace this episode to a mix of weather and emissions:
1. Sluggish Winds and Temperature Inversion
Light winds and a dip in night temperature have trapped pollutants close to the ground.
2. Stubble Smoke from Punjab and Haryana
Satellite data shows intermittent farm-fire clusters in the northwest over the last 48 hours. A northwesterly drift pushed smoke toward Delhi.
3. Local Emissions Built Up Again
Vehicle congestion, dust from construction zones, and industrial output added to the baseline pollution load.
4. GRAP Measures Help, but Cannot Offset Meteorology
Even with Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III restrictions active, experts say such conditions need much deeper structural action rather than short-term curbs.
Health Impact Rising Across Delhi-NCR
Public health warnings are out. Doctors emphasise that the combination of PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides at current levels can aggravate asthma, cause bronchospasm, and trigger cardiac stress.
The groups most at risk include:
- Children under 12
- Elderly citizens
- People with asthma, COPD or heart conditions
- Outdoor workers and street vendors
A recent international report highlighted that Delhi’s air pollution contributes to over 17,000 premature deaths annually, underscoring the chronic nature of the crisis.
Government Response and Enforcement Push
Authorities are intensifying enforcement across the city:
- Ban on non-essential construction activity under GRAP Stage III
- Water sprinkling and anti-dust measures at key traffic corridors
- Random vehicle checks to curb visibly polluting engines
- Increased surveillance around industrial clusters
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked states to ensure strict action on stubble burning, while the Supreme Court has sought detailed reports on compliance in Punjab and Haryana.
How Long Will This Last? Forecast Shows Limited Relief
The Air Quality Early Warning System indicates that pollution levels may remain in the “very poor” range until November 26, with only marginal improvement expected if wind speeds pick up.
IMD meteorologists note that the next two days will remain critical because colder nights and stagnant surface winds will continue to trap pollutants.
What Residents Can Practically Do Right Now
While the larger issue needs systemic intervention, individuals can take steps to reduce immediate exposure:
- Use N95 or N99 masks outdoors
- Keep windows closed during peak smog hours
- Avoid morning walks or outdoor workouts
- Use air purifiers at home or offices if available
- Track real-time AQI through reliable sources like CPCB or SAFAR
Children and elderly citizens should especially avoid prolonged outdoor activity until AQI stabilises.
Delhi’s Battle with Winter Pollution Continues
For millions of residents, today’s smog feels all too familiar. The pattern that begins after Diwali and intensifies through late November has once again settled over the capital. Despite policies, restrictions and public campaigns, Delhi remains locked in a cycle of emissions and meteorological challenges.
Until lasting solutions involving agriculture reform, cleaner transport, industrial controls and stronger regional coordination are implemented, episodes like today’s will continue to define Delhi’s winter.
FAQs
What caused Delhi’s air quality to worsen today?
A mix of slow wind speeds, temperature inversion, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and smoke drifting from farm fires in Punjab and Haryana trapped pollutants close to the ground. Meteorological conditions prevented dispersion, causing AQI levels to spike.
Why are some areas showing AQI above 400 while the city average is lower?
Neighbourhoods like Ghazipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana and Narela are located near highways, industrial zones or major traffic corridors. These pockets accumulate more pollutants, which is why their AQI readings often cross the “severe” mark even when the citywide average is lower.
How long will this smog spell last?
Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System suggest that Delhi will remain in the “very poor” category until November 26. Relief depends on stronger winds or a western disturbance, neither of which is expected immediately.
Is it safe for children and older adults to go outdoors?
Health experts strongly advise limiting outdoor exposure for children, senior citizens and people with asthma, bronchitis or heart conditions. If stepping out is unavoidable, an N95 or N99 mask should be used.
What steps can households take to protect indoor air?
Residents can keep windows closed during early morning and late evening, use air purifiers if available, run exhaust fans for circulation and place indoor plants known to support air quality. Avoid activities that generate indoor smoke or fumes.
Are GRAP restrictions helping?
GRAP Stage III restrictions reduce dust and emissions from construction and vehicles, but they cannot fully counter stagnant winds and temperature inversion. Experts say GRAP is a short-term buffer, not a long-term solution.
Why does Delhi face this problem every winter?
In winter, the combination of cold air, low wind, emissions from vehicles and industries, and seasonal farm fires creates a perfect mix for pollution to accumulate. The atmospheric boundary layer becomes shallow, trapping pollutants near the surface.
Which AQI readings should residents monitor?
PM2.5 levels are the most critical indicator in Delhi’s winter pollution. Residents should track AQI updates from CPCB, SAFAR-India or other reliable platforms and avoid exposure when PM2.5 crosses 250.
Should morning exercise be avoided during high pollution days?
Yes. Outdoor workouts in polluted air can cause rapid intake of harmful particulate matter. Experts recommend shifting exercise indoors until AQI improves.
When will authorities take stronger action?
The CAQM, Delhi government and neighbouring state administrations are already coordinating under GRAP. However, long-term relief depends on structural changes in agriculture, transport, energy and industrial regulation, which require multi-year planning.