New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Delhi-NCR woke up to thick smog on Tuesday as the national capital’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 330, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst reading at 451, falling in the ‘severe’ category, amid growing concerns over pollution ahead of Diwali.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s average AQI stood at 330 at 8 a.m. Several monitoring stations recorded readings above 400, indicating severe pollution. Apart from Jahangirpuri, the highest readings included Rohini at 431, Punjabi Bagh at 424, and DTU and Bawana at 409 each.
Other locations also reported elevated pollution levels, with Mundka recording 397, Pusa 387, North Campus of Delhi University 384, Burari Crossing 383, Chandni Chowk 354, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium 350, Commonwealth Sports Complex 349, NSUT Jaffarpur 324, Karala 299, Tikri Kalan 275 and NSIT Dwarka 270.
Under CPCB standards, an AQI of 301-400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while readings between 401 and 500 fall in the ‘severe’ category.
The impact was visible across neighbouring parts of the National Capital Region, with high-rise buildings in Noida and Gurugram barely visible through the haze. With Diwali scheduled for November 8, the deteriorating air quality has heightened concerns about a further rise in pollution.
Delhi had recorded its first ‘very poor’ AQI of the season on Monday, when the index rose from 312 at 9 a.m. to 324 by 4 p.m. It subsequently climbed to 331, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
In response, the CAQM invoked Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Monday. These include intensified mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, deployment of anti-smog guns and higher parking charges to discourage private vehicle use.
Stage 1 measures had been enforced on October 21 after air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8 during specified time slots: 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A complete ban on firecrackers will resume from November 9.
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