New Delhi, Nov 27, 2025 – Delhi woke up to very poor air quality on Thursday morning, a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)in the Delhi-NCR region. The city’s overall air quality index (AQI) at 8 am stood at 351, indicating continued exposure to hazardous air for residents.

Several major areas in the national capital recorded AQI readings above 300, including Burari (369), Anand Vihar (390), Dwarka (348), Jahangirpuri (394), Narela (388), and Rohini (400). Other parts of the city, including Chandani Chowk and ITO, also recorded levels in the “very poor” category, highlighting the widespread nature of pollution across Delhi.

The city’s air quality has shown minor daily fluctuations but remained consistently hazardous. On Wednesday at 4 pm, the 24-hour average AQI was 327, slightly improving from Tuesday’s 353 and Monday’s 328. Despite these small variations, Thursday marked the 21st consecutive day with AQI above 300, reflecting persistent air quality challenges in the capital.

The revocation of Stage 3 GRAP restrictions allows resumption of some economic activities, but the CAQM clarified that construction and demolition sites previously issued closure notices cannot resume work without specific authorization from the Commission. While Stage 3 curbs have been lifted, restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of GRAP are being intensified to curb emissions from vehicular traffic, industrial operations, and other sources.

Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)suggest that the air quality in Delhi is likely to remain in the “very poor” category for the coming days, owing to weather conditions that trap pollutants, including calm winds and temperature inversion layers. These meteorological factors prevent effective dispersion of pollutants, prolonging exposure to hazardous air.

The prolonged smog episode has raised health concerns among residents, with hospitals and clinics reporting increased cases of respiratory, ocular, and pulmonary problems. Citizens are being advised to limit outdoor activity, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Use of air purifiers indoors and wearing N95 masks outdoors is being recommended as precautionary measures.

In response to the sustained pollution crisis, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed Delhi and NCR states to implement a scientifically planned greening strategy aimed at improving long-term air quality. The strategy, he noted, should encompass both rural and urban areas and be based on a comprehensive mapping of forest and green cover, highlighting the importance of ecological interventions alongside regulatory measures.

Experts have emphasized that Delhi’s poor air quality is caused by a combination of vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, and stubble burning from neighboring states. The persistent smog, compounded by unfavorable winter weather, has created a toxic environment, underscoring the need for coordinated regional measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality sustainably.

While revoking Stage 3 restrictions allows some economic activity to resume, environmentalists have expressed concern that lifting curbs prematurely could exacerbate health risks. They advocate for targeted enforcement of pollution control measures, stricter monitoring of industrial and construction activities, and accelerated adoption of cleaner technologies.

The CAQM continues to monitor air quality closely, issuing advisories to guide public behavior and ensure vulnerable populations are protected. Residents are urged to follow health guidelines and limit outdoor exposure until the air quality improves.

With the onset of winter, Delhi faces a challenging season ahead as meteorological conditions are likely to trap pollutants near ground level. Authorities are under pressure to balance economic considerations with public health imperatives, while long-term strategies such as greening, industrial regulation, and transport reforms are emphasized as essential to breaking the cycle of severe seasonal air pollution in the capital.