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Delhi-NCR Chokes Under Toxic Haze as Pollution Levels Remain Severe
15 Nov
Summary
- Air Quality Index in Delhi-NCR reaches 'severe' levels
- Pollution equivalent to smoking 12 cigarettes daily
- Widespread 'very poor' or 'severe' pollution across the city
As of November 15, 2025, the residents of Delhi-NCR are facing a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'severe' category. The Air Quality Early Warning System recorded the city's AQI at 386, while private air quality monitor AQI.in pegged it at 470, which corresponds to the effect of smoking 12 cigarettes daily on one's lungs.
A thick veil of haze has covered the skyline, making it difficult to see buildings and major roads in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings, several areas in the city witnessed 'very poor' or 'severe' pollution levels, with Siri Fort reporting an AQI of 495, the highest in the region.
Despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, which includes limitations on construction projects, brick kilns, stone crushers, and other high-pollution operations, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has remained persistently poor. The Supreme Court has instructed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit a status report on their actions to reduce stubble burning, a significant contributor to the region's air pollution problem.
The worsening conditions have prompted the authorities to maintain the GRAP Stage III measures, as they continue to grapple with the ongoing air quality crisis in the Delhi-NCR region.
