Delhi Chokes Under Persistent Smog as Air Quality Slips Further into ‘Very Poor’ Zone

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : A thin but hazardous layer of pollution settled over Delhi on Friday, intensifying the city’s ongoing air quality crisis and marking the seventh straight day in the ‘very poor’ category. The persistent smog not only reduced visibility across several parts of the city but also heightened public health concerns.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi registered an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 in the morning. The thick smog blanket hovering over the capital highlighted deteriorating atmospheric conditions that continue to affect daily life and exacerbate respiratory ailments.

Information from the CPCB’s Sameer app revealed that out of 39 monitoring stations, 13 reported pollution levels in the ‘severe’ category—an indication of dangerously high concentrations of particulate matter. Wazirpur was identified as the most affected area, recording an alarming AQI of 442, far beyond the safe threshold.

Only three stations— IHBAS Dilshad Garden (255), Lodhi Road (286), and Mandir Marg (278)—reported readings in the ‘poor’ category, offering limited respite compared to the city-wide trend. Most areas continued to remain well entrenched in the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ zones.

Several pollution hotspots recorded hazardous air quality, including Anand Vihar (412), Bawana (430), Burari Crossing (404), Jahangirpuri (433), Mundka (435), Narela (408), RK Puram (406) and Rohini (421). These levels pose severe health risks, with the potential to affect even healthy individuals and significantly worsen conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and cardiovascular ailments.

The toxic haze was not confined to Delhi alone. Across the National Capital Region (NCR), air quality continued to deteriorate. Ghaziabad reported a severe AQI of 431, maintaining its position as the most polluted city in the region. Noida followed closely with an AQI of 400, bordering the severe range, while Greater Noida recorded 377, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Gurugram, although comparatively better, still reported an AQI of 294, classified as ‘poor’.

With meteorological conditions expected to remain stagnant, experts caution that air quality is unlikely to improve significantly in the coming days. Calm winds and low temperatures are expected to trap pollutants close to the surface, worsening the smog.

Authorities have advised residents—especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiac issues—to minimise exposure, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and strictly follow health and pollution control advisories.

Team Maverick