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Delhi Air: Smoking 10 Cigarettes Daily for Clean Air
27 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Breathing Delhi's air is equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes daily.
- PM2.5 levels in Delhi are 23 times higher than WHO guidelines.
- Stage III pollution curbs lifted, but lower stages remain in effect.
Residents of Delhi are facing severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to hazardous levels. Breathing the current air quality is estimated to be as detrimental as smoking 10 cigarettes daily, with PM2.5 levels drastically exceeding global health standards. This alarming situation has prompted health advisories for residents.
In response to the deteriorating air, authorities had implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, a recent improvement in air quality and favorable forecasts have led to the revocation of Stage III of GRAP across the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision aims to ease the disruptive impact of severe restrictions.
Despite the lifting of Stage III measures, GRAP Stages I and II remain active. Agencies are urged to intensify efforts to control pollution and prevent a relapse into severe air quality conditions. Health advisories continue to recommend minimizing outdoor exposure and taking precautions like wearing N95 masks.
