Delhi and the wider National Capital Region (NCR) continue to grapple with an escalating air pollution crisis as a dense gray haze settled stubbornly over the region on Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered near the ‘very poor’ category, intensifying the annual struggle that residents face during this season. Contributing factors include crop-stubble fires in neighboring states, urban and industrial emissions, and stagnant weather conditions that trap pollutants near the surface. As the smog thickened, reactions ranged from judicial warnings and political blame games to unusual public behavior, such as large-scale outdoor fitness events taking place despite the hazardous air.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI had climbed to 366 on Sunday, categorized as ‘very poor,’ before slightly dropping to 316 on Monday. While this represents a small improvement, it remains well above safe levels for human health. Other NCR cities like Gurugram (357), Ghaziabad (351), Noida (348), and Greater Noida (340) were similarly engulfed in ‘very poor’ air, reflecting a regional environmental problem rather than a city-specific issue. The CPCB has warned that at these levels, vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions—face heightened risk of respiratory distress, cardiovascular strain, and other health complications.

One of the major contributors to the worsening air quality in Delhi and NCR is crop-stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, which occurs after the paddy harvest in October and November. Farmers often resort to setting fields on fire to clear residue quickly for the upcoming rabi season, a practice that releases large quantities of particulate matter and toxic gases into the atmosphere. Data from the Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management in Delhi indicated that stubble burning contributed 9.03% to Delhi’s air pollution on Saturday, up from 1.6% on Friday. While the contribution is expected to fall to 3.45% in the following days, localized incidents persist: Punjab reported 178 new farm fires on Sunday alone, bringing the season’s total to 2,262. States like Punjab have attempted punitive measures, registering 114 cases and levying ₹8.25 lakh in environmental compensation in Tarn Taran district alone.

However, stubble burning is only part of the problem. Meteorological conditions play a significant role in the persistence of pollution. Weak winds in Delhi, particularly from the northwest, allow pollutants to accumulate near the ground. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), wind speeds dropped below 8 kmph during evening and nighttime hours, exacerbating the smog situation. Analysts such as Manoj Kumar from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) note that while peak farm fires contribute to the spike, the problem is compounded by an already elevated baseline of urban and industrial emissions.

The judiciary has intervened to push for stricter action against this recurring crisis. On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit detailing proactive steps being taken to prevent air pollution from worsening. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran emphasised that authorities cannot wait for pollution to reach “severe” levels before acting. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting as amicus curiae, raised concerns that several monitoring stations were non-functional during the recent Diwali period, making it difficult for authorities to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effectively. Of the 37 monitoring stations in Delhi, only nine were fully operational on Diwali, highlighting gaps in real-time monitoring crucial for timely interventions.

In the midst of rising pollution, the public response has been varied and sometimes bewildering. Despite warnings and high AQI readings, large-scale outdoor fitness events were held in Delhi, including the Sekhon IAF Marathon 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, drawing hundreds of participants. At the time, the AQI was approaching the ‘severe’ 400 mark. Social media users ridiculed and criticized these events, calling them “suicidal” and hazardous to health. Some participants acknowledged the dangers but continued regardless, underscoring a complex mix of public resilience and disregard for health advisories.

Medical experts have issued clear and urgent guidance. Senior pulmonologist Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani advised that individuals with chronic health conditions, particularly those with lung or heart problems, consider leaving Delhi for six to eight weeks until pollution levels improve, ideally until December. Dr. Khilnani stressed that air pollution is an increasingly significant cause of illnesses such as lung cancer in non-smokers, now accounting for 40% of cases. It also affects cardiovascular health, brain function, kidneys, immunity, and overall well-being.

For residents who cannot leave, Dr. Khilnani recommended using high-quality air purifiers at home, keeping rooms sealed, and running purifiers continuously for maximum effect. He emphasized minimizing outdoor exposure, as even brief periods outside in very poor air can trigger respiratory irritation, cough, fever, and long-term health risks.

The cumulative effect of regional stubble burning, local emissions, and stagnant meteorological conditions presents a complex challenge for authorities. While Delhi’s government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has imposed restrictions on polluting vehicles and attempted experimental interventions like cloud-seeding to induce artificial rain, results have been limited. Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, have criticized the government for not taking timely and effective measures. The Supreme Court’s intervention adds legal pressure, calling for preemptive action rather than reactive measures.

With AQI expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category at least until November 4, Delhi faces several days of compromised air quality. Urban residents, schools, healthcare providers, and event organizers must navigate the intersection of public safety, legal mandates, and personal choice during this period. The ongoing crisis illustrates the multifaceted challenges of environmental management in a densely populated, industrially active, and politically complex region like Delhi-NCR.

In summary, Delhi’s air pollution crisis is being shaped by a combination of human, industrial, and natural factors. Crop-stubble burning in neighboring states, chronic urban emissions, and unfavorable weather patterns converge to produce hazardous air. The judiciary is demanding accountability and proactive measures, while political parties exchange blame over governance failures. Medical experts continue to issue stark warnings, emphasizing the severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Amid this, the public’s reactions range from compliance to risky behavior, illustrating the tension between civic responsibility, personal choices, and societal pressures. The situation in Delhi underscores the urgent need for integrated policies, coordinated enforcement, and public awareness to mitigate one of the world’s most persistent urban environmental crises.