In New Delhi on November 25, a dense smog layer kept the city’s air quality in the “very poor” range, sparking fresh concerns among residents. At about 7:30 a.m., the reported AQI hit 435, according to the online tracker aqi.in.
The particulate levels in the capital were alarmingly high. At 7 a.m., the fine‑dust measurement (PM 2.5) was 294 µg/m³, while the coarse‑dust reading (PM 10) reached 396 µg/m³. WHO guidance suggests a 24‑hour average for PM 2.5 should stay below 15 µg/m³ and PM 10 below 45 µg/m³, underscoring how far the situation has deteriorated.
Other northern‑Delhi region urban centers fared no better: Noida and Greater Noida recorded 456 and 455, respectively, at 7:34 a.m., with Ghaziabad at 454. In Haryana, Faridabad’s AQI was 444 and Gurugram registered 404, showing that the poor air is city‑wide.
The deteriorating air is already producing clear health symptoms—watery eyes, asthma flare‑ups, itchy skin, and a sore throat. Long‑term exposure could lead to coughing, tightness in the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath.
In light of the data, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated the Graded Response Action Plan, Stage III, which is triggered when the AQI is between 401 and 450 or is expected to reach that bracket. Stage III steps include pausing construction projects, tightening industrial emission inspections, and reshaping traffic flow to cut emissions.
Officials remain vigilant and are encouraging people—especially seniors, young children and those with breathing disorders—to stay indoors as much as possible and take precautions until the air clears. Although the recent ash cloud from Ethiopia crossed the Arabian Sea toward North India, its precise impact on Delhi’s air quality is still unclear.
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