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Delhi Chokes in Toxic Smog as Pollution Levels Remain 'Very Poor'
10 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality index reaches 'very poor' level of 344
- Temperatures dip to 10.4°C, 4 degrees below normal
- Pollution control board holds off on invoking stricter measures
On November 10, 2025, the national capital of Delhi is facing a severe air quality crisis, with a dense layer of smog blanketing the city. The 24-hour rolling average air quality index (AQI) stood at 344 at 9 am, placing the air quality in the 'very poor' category.
The poor air quality is accompanied by a dip in temperatures, with the mercury reaching a season low of 10.4°C, four degrees below normal. This is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Delhi so far this season, with the previous low being 11°C on November 8.
Despite the alarming air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided not to invoke Stage-3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). The CAQM cited a declining trend in the 24-hour average and no forecasts of 'severe' air ahead, opting to continue with Stages 1 and 2 of the pollution control measures.
The improvement in air quality during the day on November 10 is attributed to an increase in wind speeds, which helped disperse the pollutants. The share of stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi's air pollution, also reduced marginally as the wind direction shifted from northwesterly to southwesterly and westerly.
However, experts warn that the situation remains precarious, with the air quality still in the 'very poor' category. The capital has not officially recorded a 'severe' air day so far this year, with the last such reading being on December 23, 2024, when the AQI was recorded at 406.
