The air quality in Delhi-NCR has reached alarming levels, prompting serious health warnings and daily disruption for residents. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that multiple monitoring stations across the region recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 400, entering the “severe” or even “hazardous” category.
What’s happening
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On 13 November 2025, the average AQI across Delhi-NCR was approximately 418 by afternoon, with some localities such as Bawana and Wazirpur recording readings beyond 450.
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Schools for younger children in Noida and Ghaziabad have shifted to a hybrid (online + offline) mode as part of emergency measures under the graded response plan.
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Experts warn the air has become “unliveable” for sensitive groups, with long-term health risks mounting.
Causes of the spike
Multiple factors contribute to the crisis:
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Residual stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana sends pollutants into Delhi’s air.
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Local emissions from vehicles, industry, dust from construction and low wind / atmospheric inversion trap pollutants near the surface.
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Sizeable concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) and other pollutants push the AQI to dangerous levels. For example, some stations reported PM2.5 well above 300 µg/m³, when WHO guidelines are far lower.
Health Impacts & Public Safety
When AQI surpasses 400:
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Even healthy individuals may experience eye irritation, throat discomfort, coughing, difficulty breathing, and reduced lung function.
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At-risk groups (children, older adults, those with respiratory/cardiac conditions) face heightened danger.
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Authorities advise limiting outdoor activity, using respirators/masks (N95 or better), and keeping indoor air quality as good as possible by using air purifiers or keeping windows closed.
What Citizens Can Do Today
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Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, especially early mornings when pollution peaks.
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Wear an appropriate mask (N95 or similar) if you must go outside.
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Use indoor air purifiers or filters if available, keep doors/windows shut during heavy smog.
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Stay hydrated, avoid smoke (including burning solid fuel or incense), and humidify indoor air if dry.
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Monitor local AQI forecasts and adjust your schedule accordingly—reschedule outdoor tasks if possible.
What the Authorities Are Doing
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The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 has been invoked, which includes restrictions on construction-activities, vehicle usage, and industrial emissions in high pollution conditions.
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Schools in affected areas have been advised to shift younger students to hybrid or online learning so they avoid outdoor exposure.
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Advocacy groups are demanding quicker action and more stringent enforcement to address the root causes of pollution.
Key Takeaways
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The air in Delhi-NCR is no longer just “bad” — it’s now hazardous, with AQI readings exceeding 400 in many places.
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This isn’t a temporary blip—it reflects enduring structural issues combined with adverse weather.
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Individuals must take proactive steps to reduce exposure and protect health, while systemic efforts must be ramped up to bring pollution under control.
FAQs
Q1. What AQI level is considered “hazardous”?
A1. Typically, an AQI above 300 is considered “hazardous” or “severe.” In the Delhi-NCR region recent readings above 400 indicate grave pollution levels.
Q2. Why does pollution spike so much in Delhi-NCR during this season?
A2. Crystal clear reasons: agricultural stubble burning in nearby states sends particulate matter into the region, lower temperatures create temperature-inversion layers that trap pollutants, and urban emissions accumulate because wind and dispersion are limited.
Q3. Is it safe to go outside at these levels?
A3. For most healthy adults short exposure may cause discomfort; however, vulnerable people should avoid outdoor activity, and all residents should minimise outdoor time and avoid heavy exertion—in effect, the air is unsafe for routine use until the situation improves.
Q4. How long will this pollution episode last?
A4. It depends on weather (wind, rain, temperature), enforcement of pollution control, and regional action (e.g., stopping stubble burn). Historically, these episodes can last several days to a few weeks unless strong interventions happen.
Q5. What can be done long-term to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR?
A5. Long-term solutions include stricter enforcement on crop-burning, enhanced public transport and cleaner vehicles, dust control on construction sites, reduction of industrial emissions, green buffer zones, and widespread adoption of cleaner fuel/technology.
Conclusion
Breathing in Delhi-NCR today is not just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous. With AQI values surging past 400 and into “severe/hazardous” territory, every resident must recognise the risk and adapt accordingly. While immediate protective actions help, systemic change is essential to ensure the air in the region becomes safe to breathe again.