New Delhi, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Delhi-NCR continued to grapple with worsening air pollution and a winter chill on Wednesday, as thick smog blanketed several parts of the national capital and the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 377 at 8 a.m., remaining in the ‘very poor’ category for the third consecutive day.
PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant, with conditions turning particularly hazardous in several neighbourhoods. Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 456 and Jahangirpuri 450, both falling in the ‘severe’ category. Mundka and the area around IIT Delhi also reported alarming readings of 436 and 438, respectively.
Of Delhi’s 59 air quality monitoring stations, 20 recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels, while 33 remained in the ‘very poor’ category. The remaining stations reported ‘poor’ air quality.
Other locations with high readings included Rohini and DTU at 436 each, Vivek Vihar and Bawana at 435 and 411, respectively, and RK Puram at 428. Sonia Vihar recorded 424, while Siri Fort registered 419.
The deterioration prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage II measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. Stage II was invoked on November 2 after Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 324.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that pollution levels are likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category until at least Friday, November 6.
Stage I GRAP measures had been imposed on October 21, when the AQI stood at 244. These include promoting public transport, checking Pollution Under Control certificates, enforcing restrictions on older diesel and petrol vehicles, curbing the use of coal and firewood at roadside eateries, and regulating diesel generator sets.
With Diwali approaching, the worsening pollution has heightened concerns over air quality across Delhi-NCR.
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