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Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis: AQI Hits 413 Despite Pollution Curbs

Delhi's air quality has plunged into the severe category with an overall AQI of 413 despite active GRAP-III restrictions. Wazirpur recorded the worst pollution levels at 459 AQI, while most monitoring stations showed readings above 400. The CAQM sub-committee cited calm winds and unfavorable weather conditions for the sudden deterioration from 362 to 425 AQI. In response, Delhi's Chief Minister has implemented hybrid schooling for younger children to limit their exposure to toxic air.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Severe at 413 AQI Despite GRAP-III Measures

  • Wazirpur records highest pollution levels with AQI of 459 in severe category
  • Delhi CM announces hybrid classes for schools up to Class 5
  • Calm winds and stable atmosphere cited as key factors for pollution spike
  • Most monitoring stations show AQI above 400 with severe air quality
  • GRAP-III restrictions remain active across Delhi-NCR despite worsening conditions
  • Only NSIT Dwarka records relatively better AQI of 215 in poor category
3 min read

Delhi's air continues to deteriorate; overall AQI at 413 in 'severe' category despite GRAP-III curbs

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to severe category with AQI at 413 despite GRAP-III restrictions. Wazirpur records worst pollution at 459 AQI as schools shift to hybrid mode.

"AQI in Delhi surged from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning - CAQM Sub-committee"

New Delhi, November 12

The air quality in the national capital continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 413 at 8 am, placing it in the 'severe' category, even as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III remains in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations in Delhi recorded alarming levels of pollution, with AQI readings surpassing 400 in most areas.

Among all monitoring stations, Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI of 459, categorised as 'severe' air quality, while NSIT Dwarka monitoring station recorded an AQI of 215, categorised as 'poor' air quality.

Almost all monitoring stations in the national capital recorded 'severe' air quality as AQI in Alipur stands at 431, Anand Vihar 438, Ashok Vihar 439, Aya Nagar 405, Bawana 451, Burari Crossing 439, CRRI Mathura Road 428, Chandani Chowk 449, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range 429, Dwarka Sector-8 422, ITO 433, Jahangirpuri 446, JLN Stadium 422, Mundka 442, Narela 437, Nehru Nagar 440, Okhla Phase-2 418, Patparganj 436, Punjabi Bagh 437, RK Puram 432, Rohini 442, Sirifort 403 and Sonia Vihar 434.

A few stations recorded comparatively lower AQI levels but remained within the 'very poor' range. These included DTU Delhi (373), IGI Airport T3 (395), IHBAS Dilshad Garden (307), Lodhi Road (309), Najafgarh (384), and Shadipur (392).

As per CPCB classification, an AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

With air quality in the national capital deteriorating sharply, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already invoked Stage III curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), categorising Delhi's air as the 'Severe' category.

The sub-committee of CAQM invoked the measures after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi surged from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, citing calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions as key factors behind the sudden spike.

In view of the deteriorating air, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that schools up to Class 5 will operate in a hybrid mode, allowing both online and in-person classes to minimise children's exposure to toxic air.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has been reeling under the 'poor', 'very poor' and 'severe' categories for several days.

Meanwhile, the average AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi for the period between January 1st and November 9th, 2025, has been recorded at 175, compared to 189 during the corresponding period last year. PM2.5 and PM10 concentration levels are 75 ug/m3 and 170 ug/m3, respectively, during this period, as against 87 ug/m3 and 191 ug/m3, during the corresponding period last year, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wazirpur at 459! That's literally breathing poison. I live in Anand Vihar and my eyes burn every morning. The government needs to stop blaming farmers and take concrete steps. Work from home should be mandatory for all offices during severe AQI days.
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Michael C
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, this is terrifying. The data shows some improvement from last year, but 413 AQI is still catastrophic. We need better public transport and electric vehicle infrastructure urgently.
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Ananya R
While the situation is bad, let's acknowledge that the AQI has improved from 189 to 175 average this year. Small progress but we need to keep pushing. Every citizen should contribute by using public transport and avoiding waste burning. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
The hybrid school model is a good temporary measure, but what about outdoor workers? The construction laborers, traffic police, and street vendors are exposed to this toxic air 24/7 without any protection. We need equitable solutions.
V
Vikram M
Living in Punjabi Bagh with AQI 437 - we've invested in 3 air purifiers for our 2BHK flat. This is becoming unaffordable for middle-class families. The government should subsidize air purifiers and provide better healthcare for pollution-related illnesses.

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