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Delhi Chokes Under Severe Smog as Pollution Levels Soar
13 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality remains "severe" for second consecutive day
- Stubble burning contributes 22.4% of PM2.5 levels, exceeding vehicles
- Primary schools switch to hybrid mode amid worsening air crisis
On November 13, 2025, Delhi continued to grapple with a severe air quality crisis, as the city remained enveloped in a thick layer of smog for the second consecutive day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at a concerning 418 as of 4 pm, making it the most polluted city in the country, along with Haryana's Jind.
The situation has shown little improvement from the previous day, when Delhi recorded an AQI of 428 -- the highest since December 19 last year. Stagnant winds and a temperature inversion have trapped pollutants close to the surface, exacerbating the crisis. Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) revealed that stubble burning's contribution to Delhi's pollution on November 13 surpassed that of vehicular emissions, accounting for 22.4% of PM2.5 levels compared to 15.5% from transport.
In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has ordered all primary schools up to Class 5 to switch to hybrid mode from November 13 until further notice. This move aims to protect the health of young students as the city grapples with the severe smog.
Forecasts by the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) indicate that Delhi's AQI is likely to improve slightly but remain in the "very poor" range from November 14 through November 16. However, the outlook for the subsequent six days from November 18 onwards shows that the AQI is likely to remain "very poor."
