New Delhi: Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air quality as 22 monitoring stations in the capital reported Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the ‘severe’ category on Sunday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The overall AQI for the national capital was recorded at 391, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category and raising health concerns for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The Sameer app, managed by CPCB, indicated that in addition to the 22 stations in the ‘severe’ range, another 12 stations reported readings in the ‘very poor’ category, with AQI levels exceeding 300. The worsening air quality comes in the aftermath of Diwali, when the annual spike in pollution caused by firecrackers and increased vehicular activity traditionally intensifies particulate matter in the air.

Best and Worst Areas in Delhi

Amid the widespread pollution, some parts of Delhi recorded relatively better air quality. The NSIT Dwarka monitoring station reported the best AQI in the city at 198, categorizing it as ‘moderate’ — the only location in the capital to record an AQI below 200 on Sunday morning. Other areas with comparatively lower pollution levels included IHBAS, Dilshad Garden (263) and Lodhi Road (307), both of which fell in the ‘poor’ range.

In stark contrast, the worst-hit areas saw AQI readings soaring well above 400. Bawana recorded the highest pollution at 438, followed closely by Jahangirpuri (436), Rohini (435), Wazirpur (430), Mundka (428), and Burari Crossing (428). Other severely polluted localities included Nehru Nagar (425), Patparganj (424), RK Puram (423), Vivek Vihar (423), ITO (421), Narela (418), and CRRI Mathura Road (416). Even areas such as Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Sonia Vihar, Alipur, Anand Vihar, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Chandni Chowk, Okhla Phase-2, and Sirifort recorded AQI levels well above 400, confirming a citywide air pollution crisis.

Complete AQI Ranking: From Most to Least Polluted Areas

The CPCB’s data listed Delhi’s monitoring stations from the most to least polluted, highlighting the severity of the situation:

1. Bawana — 438 (Severe)
2. Jahangirpuri — 436 (Severe)
3. Rohini — 435 (Severe)
4. Wazirpur — 430 (Severe)
5. Mundka — 428 (Severe)
6. Burari Crossing — 428 (Severe)
7. Nehru Nagar — 425 (Severe)
8. Patparganj — 424 (Severe)
9. RK Puram — 423 (Severe)
10. Vivek Vihar — 423 (Severe)
11. ITO — 421 (Severe)
12. Narela — 418 (Severe)
13. CRRI Mathura Road — 416 (Severe)
14. Punjabi Bagh — 415 (Severe)
15. Ashok Vihar — 415 (Severe)
16. Sonia Vihar — 415 (Severe)
17. Alipur — 414 (Severe)
18. Anand Vihar — 410 (Severe)
19. Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range — 406 (Severe)
20. Chandni Chowk — 405 (Severe)
21. Okhla Phase-2 — 404 (Severe)
22. Sirifort — 403 (Severe)
23. North Campus (DU) — 399 (Very Poor)
24. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium — 391 (Very Poor)
25. Mandir Marg — 390 (Very Poor)
26. Dwarka Sector-8 — 388 (Very Poor)
27. Pusa (DPCC) — 380 (Very Poor)
28. Pusa (IMD) — 380 (Very Poor)
29. Lodhi Road (IMD) — 376 (Very Poor)
30. Sri Aurobindo Marg — 371 (Very Poor)
31. Aya Nagar — 366 (Very Poor)
32. IGI Airport (T3) — 360 (Very Poor)
33. Shadipur — 359 (Very Poor)
34. Najafgarh — 357 (Very Poor)
35. Lodhi Road (IITM) — 307 (Poor)
36. DTU — 317 (Poor)
37. IHBAS, Dilshad Garden — 263 (Poor)
38. NSIT Dwarka — 198 (Moderate)

Persistent Pollution Despite GRAP Measures

Since Diwali, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have witnessed consistently high pollution levels, with AQI hovering between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories. Authorities have implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes moderate measures such as restrictions on industrial activity, promotion of public transport, and banning construction work in severely polluted areas. However, Stage III, which imposes stricter curbs including halting construction, banning diesel generators, and restricting vehicular movement, has not yet been enforced.

Experts warn that if pollution levels remain persistently high, the authorities may be compelled to escalate to Stage III to prevent a public health emergency. Health advisories for residents include minimizing outdoor activity, wearing masks, using air purifiers indoors, and keeping windows closed to reduce exposure to hazardous air.

Impact on NCR Cities

The pollution crisis is not limited to Delhi alone. Data from CPCB indicates that Noida and Ghaziabad have recorded their poorest October air quality in five years. Noida’s average AQI for October 2025 stood at 236, compared with 205, 202, 211, and 181 over the previous four years. Ghaziabad showed a similar trend, averaging 227 this October, exceeding its past four-year range of 194 to 224.

The deteriorating air quality in these satellite cities is exacerbated by vehicular emissions, construction dust, crop burning in neighboring states, and the lingering effects of Diwali-related pollution. These factors collectively contribute to the sustained high AQI across the NCR.

Health Implications and Precautions

Air pollution at ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ levels poses significant health risks. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Authorities have urged residents to take preventive measures, including wearing N95 masks, limiting outdoor physical activities, using air purifiers at home, and ensuring adequate hydration. Schools are advised to reduce outdoor play for children, while hospitals and clinics are being encouraged to prepare for a possible surge in pollution-related health cases.

Conclusion

Delhi’s air pollution crisis continues unabated, with 22 monitoring stations recording ‘severe’ AQI and the overall citywide air quality remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. The persistent haze across the capital and NCR highlights the challenges of tackling pollution, especially in the post-Diwali period, when a combination of stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activity exacerbates the problem.

As authorities monitor the situation and prepare for potential escalation under the GRAP framework, residents are advised to take every precaution to mitigate the health impacts of hazardous air. The current scenario underscores the urgent need for long-term strategies aimed at reducing pollution, including sustainable urban planning, stricter enforcement of emission norms, and regional coordination to manage air quality across the entire National Capital Region.

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