New Delhi, November 30, 2025 – After more than three weeks of persistently hazardous air, Delhi saw a slight improvement in air quality on Sunday, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) dipping to 268 at 9 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While this marks a notable decline from Saturday’s reading of 305, the improvement is modest, and much of the city continues to breathe air that is far from safe.

Despite the dip, several areas across the Capital and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) remained in the ‘very poor’ category, raising concerns among residents and civil society groups.

Persistent Air Pollution Across Delhi

For 24 consecutive days prior to Sunday, Delhi had been engulfed in air that hovered in the ‘very poor’ or worse category, reaching AQI levels above 300, the second-longest such stretch recorded since 2019. Sunday’s slight improvement did not signal relief for many neighbourhoods. Shadipur recorded an AQI of 331, RK Puram 303, and Jahangirpuri 323, all well within the ‘very poor’ range. Similarly, Nehru Nagar registered 316, while Dilshad Garden stood at 304.

In contrast, some areas in the NCR displayed marginally better air quality. Faridabad reported 174, classified as ‘moderate’, whereas Noida and Ghaziabad recorded 266 and 260 respectively, remaining in the ‘poor’ category. Within Delhi, only five out of 38 monitoring stations fell into the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday morning, suggesting a slight dispersion of pollutants, but overall air quality remained dangerous for sensitive groups.

According to CPCB standards, AQI readings are categorised as follows:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

Even with the improvement, the sustained spell of poor air quality has had a significant impact on public health, prompting growing public frustration.

Citizen Protests and Public Response

The deteriorating air quality has triggered multiple citizen-led protests in the city. On November 30, people gathered at Jantar Mantar between 2–5 p.m. to raise their voices against the prolonged pollution and environmental neglect. A post circulating on X urged residents to participate, citing the ongoing “destruction of Delhi’s Ridge” and the hardships of living with dust-filled air, lack of sunlight, and pervasive noise.

In addition to Sunday’s demonstration, civil society organisations have announced another protest at Jantar Mantar on December 3, calling on Delhiites to step out and demand clean air. Groups including My Right to Breathe, Warrior Moms, and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), which is Congress-backed, have extended their support for the peaceful gathering.

The December 3 protest aims to draw attention to the government’s withdrawal of temporary measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which had previously been implemented to combat spikes in pollution. Organisers emphasised that the protest is non-partisan and inclusive, encouraging participation from concerned citizens, mothers, youth, and elders alike.

Past Demonstrations and Escalating Frustration

This is not the first time citizens have taken to the streets to express frustration over Delhi’s toxic air crisis. On November 23, a group of residents gathered at India Gate to protest the worsening pollution. The demonstration, however, escalated when some participants allegedly used chilli spray against police personnel as authorities attempted to disperse the crowd. The incident highlighted the increasing tension and anxiety among residents who feel that government action has been insufficient to address the crisis.

Environmental activists warn that the lack of effective policy implementation during winter months exacerbates the problem. According to experts, air quality in Delhi tends to worsen during November and December due to a combination of factors:

• Crop stubble burning in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana
• Vehicular emissions
• Industrial pollution
• Low wind speeds and cooler temperatures, which trap pollutants close to the ground

These factors contribute to the accumulation of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, which is hazardous to human health. Health advisories recommend that children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditionsavoid outdoor activities, but compliance is difficult in a densely populated metropolis like Delhi.

Government Measures and Limitations

Despite warnings from the CPCB and repeated calls from environmental groups, administrative action has been limited. While measures such as vehicle restrictions, construction bans, and firecracker regulations have been implemented intermittently, critics argue that the approach has been reactive rather than preventive.

The sudden withdrawal of GRAP measures, which included restrictions on polluting industries and mandatory vehicle checks, has been a point of contention. Civil society groups assert that without consistent enforcement, Delhi’s air will continue to oscillate between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’, putting millions of residents at risk.

Public Health Concerns

The health implications of prolonged exposure to toxic air are significant. Studies indicate that PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and exacerbating conditions such as asthma. Long-term exposure has also been linked to chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy.

Medical professionals have repeatedly urged residents to:

• Wear N95 masks when outdoors
• Limit physical activity, particularly in the morning and evening when pollution peaks
• Use air purifiers indoors
• Stay informed about real-time AQI levels

Despite these advisories, the persistent haze and smog continue to affect daily life, restricting outdoor activity and impacting productivity.

Looking Ahead

As Delhi prepares for the December 3 protest, citizen groups hope to draw public attention to environmental accountability and push for long-term, sustainable solutions. Advocates are calling for:

• Strict enforcement of GRAP measures during winter months
• Incentives for clean energy and reduction of industrial emissions
• Monitoring and regulation of stubble burning in neighbouring states
• Urban planning initiatives to improve green cover and reduce air pollution

The slight dip in Sunday’s AQI may offer a temporary reprieve, but the overarching message remains clear: Delhi’s air crisis is far from over, and continued civic engagement, alongside government accountability, is crucial to securing breathable air for the city’s residents.

As civil society groups mobilise for December 3, residents are being urged to participate peacefully and voice their concerns, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against one of the capital’s most persistent public health challenges.