Delhi began Saturday morning with toxic air as the Air Quality Index reached 335, pushing the national capital into the ‘red zone’ again. Delhi was one of the most polluted cities in India with PM2.5 as the main pollutant, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
Smog Returns, Temperature Drops
Smog had completely enveloped the national capital, as all major landmarks such as India Gate were wrapped in thick smog, cutting visibility and aggravating respiratory discomfort. Indeed, the India Meteorological Department reported a minimum of 11° C against the season’s average, which is three degrees lower, indicating an early onset of winter chill.
The maximum temperature attained was +28.6°C which is below the normal temperature.
Severe Pockets Across the Capital
Different areas in the capital recorded “severe” levels of pollution:
Wazirpur (420 AQI)
Burari (418 AQI)
Vivek Vihar (411 AQI)
The surrounding cities in NCR were no different with respect to this — while Noida reported 354, Greater Noida had 336 and Ghaziabad 339; all falling in the ‘very poor’ category. https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/delhi-chokes-as-aqi-breaches-400-in-several-area-city-enters-red-zone-with-severe-pollution-levels-2815911-2025-11-08
Why GRAP-3 Not Enforced Yet
Despite alarming figures, Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan banning construction activities and restricting heavy vehicle movement has not been implemented.
Officials of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee said air quality this November was “comparatively better than last year”.
“Out of the last seven days, six have recorded better air quality than the corresponding days last year,” said an official.
Authorities attributed the pollution not reaching extreme levels to road cleaning, anti-smog drives, and industrial checks. But experts have warned that the relief would be temporary.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi’s air is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for days to come, with a growing risk of a ‘severe’ spike if wind speeds continue to remain low. “Waiting until AQI reaches emergency levels to trigger GRAP-3 is a health risk,” said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment.
“Delhi needs proactive long-term emission control instead of just seasonal firefighting.” What’s Ahead Through preventive coordination among departments, the officials are hoping to delay the imposition of GRAP-3. But according to experts, post-Diwali emissions, crop residue burning, and stagnant weather can throw the city into another air quality emergency.
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