Source The Hindu
New Delhi, November 26, 2025 — The residents of the National Capital Territory of Delhi awoke today to another day of hazardous air quality, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at a concerning 335, firmly placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category. This marks an extended period—now spanning over 12 days—during which the city has been battling dangerously high levels of pollution.
The ‘Very Poor’ classification by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) signifies that prolonged exposure to the air can cause respiratory illness in people. According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls into this category.
Forecast Suggests No Immediate Respite
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has issued a grim outlook, forecasting that the air quality is likely to fluctuate between ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ over the next five days. This continuous cycle of toxic air is primarily driven by a combination of regional and local factors, including:
Meteorological Conditions: Low wind speeds and a drop in minimum temperatures (which settled at 8^\circ\text{C} today, 3.3^\circ\text{C} below the seasonal average) are preventing the dispersion of pollutants, effectively trapping them near the surface.
Local Emissions: Vehicular pollution, dust from construction activities, industrial emissions, and the burning of municipal waste and biomass remain significant local contributors to the particulate matter load.
Regional Factors: While varying, the seasonal issue of crop residue burning in neighbouring states continues to influence the airshed.
Measures in Effect and Citizen Appeal
In response to the deteriorating conditions, several anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including Stage III restrictions, remain in force. Authorities are enforcing curbs on non-essential construction and demolition activities and have, at times, directed public and private offices to operate with reduced staff through work-from-home arrangements.
Citizens are strongly advised to take necessary precautions:
Avoid outdoor physical activities.
Wear N95/P100 masks when stepping outside.
Keep windows closed and use air purifiers where possible.
The prolonged spell of hazardous air is taking a toll on public health, with hospitals reporting a noticeable surge in patients presenting with respiratory ailments. Political parties and civil society groups have also stepped up calls for more decisive and permanent solutions to what has become an annual public health emergency.
