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Delhi-NCR Suffocates Under Worst Air Quality in Years
9 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 391
- 22 monitoring stations report 'severe' air, 12 in 'very poor' range
- Noida and Ghaziabad see poorest October air quality in 5 years
As of November 9th, 2025, the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) remains in a dire state, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at a concerning 391, firmly in the 'very poor' category. The situation has been deteriorating since the Diwali festivities, with the AQI hovering in the 'poor' and 'very poor' ranges across the region.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a staggering 22 monitoring stations reported air quality in the 'severe' range, while 12 stations recorded 'very poor' air quality with readings above 300. The only location in Delhi to report an AQI below 200, falling in the 'moderate' category, was the NSIT Dwarka monitoring station.
The air quality crisis extends beyond the capital, with Noida and Ghaziabad also recording their poorest October air quality in the past 5 years. Noida's average AQI for October 2025 was 236, significantly higher than the previous four years' range of 181 to 211. Ghaziabad, too, showed a similar trend, averaging 227 this October, surpassing its past four-year range of 194 to 224.
Despite the alarming situation, authorities have held back on implementing the stricter measures outlined in Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which would involve more stringent curbs to combat the pollution. The decision to refrain from escalating the response has left many residents concerned about the lack of decisive action to address this pressing environmental issue.
