Delhi Pollution: Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category, with winter weather conditions worsening it further. On Monday morning, areas such as Akshardham, AIIMS, and ITO were covered with layers of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and raising health concerns for residents. Despite various anti-pollution measures, including Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV in effect, the air quality in Delhi has not improved in recent days.
AQI close to severe, check readings across Delhi
In several parts of Delhi, the AQI has reached above 400 mark, placing those areas in “severe” category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 396 at 8 am in the national capital on Monday, November 24. Check AQI recorded from other parts of Delhi:
Mundka (440), Anand Vihar (440), Ashok Vihar (433), Narela (432), Bawana (434), Chandni Chowk (388), ITO (411), Jahangirpuri (451), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (433), Lodhi Road (357), Najafgarh (359), Punjabi Bagh (421), Patparganj (412), Pusa (388), R K Puram (404), Vivek Vihar (451), Wazirpur (447). (Source: CPCB)
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from near Akshardham Temple and surrounding areas as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 440, categorised as ‘Severe’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/YWuZEuSm7N
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 380, categorised as ‘Very Poor’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/K9LGERZdNw
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025
What’s causing pollution?
With the onset of winter, the national capital’s air quality has worsened, as thick toxic smog engulfs the city in the mornings. Dropping temperatures, stagnant winds, stubble burning, unfavorable weather conditions, and increasing vehicular and industrial emissions are all contributing to the rising pollution levels in Delhi.
GRAP rules revised
Meanwhile, in view of the dangerous AQI levels in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the GRAP measures for the entire NCR, directing to impose the measures for ‘Severe’ AQI category under GRAP Stage IV to be taken under GRAP Stage III.
According to a press release by the CAQM, measures under GRAP IV are now under GRAP III. This allows NCR State Governments/GNCTD to decide whether public, municipal, and private offices can operate at 50 per cent strength, with the rest working from home. The release also states that the Central Government may decide whether to permit work from home for employees in central government offices.