New Delhi, Nov 27, 2025 – Delhi continued to grapple with “very poor” air quality on Thursday, even as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) a day earlier. The minimum temperature recorded in the national capital was 8.3°C, a marginal increase from the season’s low of 8°C noted on Wednesday.

Over the past few days, Delhi has experienced a gradual dip in temperature, with Tuesday’s minimum at 9°C and Monday at 9.3°C. Wednesday’s temperature plummeted to the lowest for November since 2022, reflecting the onset of winter and meteorological conditions that exacerbate pollution levels in the region.

The air quality index (AQI) on Thursday morning stood at 355, slightly higher than the previous day’s reading of 327 at 4 pm. Despite minor fluctuations, the overall air quality has remained in the “very poor” category, sustaining public health concerns and highlighting the persistence of pollution challenges in the capital.

The revocation of Stage 3 Grap restrictions by the CAQM on Wednesday allowed resumption of several activities, including private construction, demolition, mining, and other allied operations in the National Capital Region (NCR). Restrictions on older BS-3 petrol and BS-4 vehicles were also lifted, alongside measures requiring primary school classes to run in hybrid mode and government and private offices to operate at 50% capacity.

Stage 3 restrictions are usually triggered when AQI crosses 400 or forecasts predict severe pollution, leading to stringent measures to reduce emissions. This year, however, the CAQM lifted the curbs despite forecasts suggesting that the air quality would remain “very poor,” raising concerns among environmentalists and citizens.

Air quality trends over the past few weeks have been concerning. Wednesday marked the 21st consecutive day with AQI above 300, a benchmark indicating “very poor” conditions. Last year, the city experienced its longest such streak since 2019, with 32 consecutive days exceeding 300 AQI from October 30 to November 30, peaking at 494 on November 18. The second-longest streak recorded since 2019 was 23 days, between December 17, 2018, and January 8, 2019.

The Supreme Court has, in recent weeks, urged the CAQM to adopt a proactive and stricter approach toward controlling pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for effective implementation of mitigation measures. Despite these directions, lifting Stage 3 restrictions has sparked debate over whether economic and operational considerations are being prioritized over public health.

Delhi’s persistent “very poor” air quality is primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activities, and seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states. Additionally, weather conditions such as low wind speeds and temperature inversion trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying the smog and prolonging exposure.

Experts have cautioned that even short-term exposure to such high levels of pollutants can have serious health impacts, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular stress, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are at particular risk during periods of sustained high AQI.

With the onset of winter, environmentalists warn that the situation may worsen unless stricter and sustained measures are enforced. They have urged authorities to reinstate restrictions on polluting activities, enhance public transport options, and implement targeted interventions to reduce emissions, especially from construction, industrial sectors, and vehicular traffic.

Meanwhile, the slight rise in minimum temperature to 8.3°C has been noted as a minor relief from the season’s lowest recorded earlier in the week. However, meteorologists predict that cooler temperatures and calm winds may continue over the next few days, potentially trapping pollutants and sustaining the very poor air quality in the capital.

As Delhi faces prolonged episodes of hazardous air, citizens are advised to minimise outdoor exposure, use air purifiers indoors, and follow government guidelines regarding outdoor activity, particularly for sensitive groups. The CAQM continues to monitor air quality closely, with alerts and advisories to guide public behaviour and mitigate health risks.