Delhi Wakes Up to Thick Smog as Pollution Levels Spike
Residents of India's capital city experienced another day of severe air pollution on Sunday, November 10, 2025, as Delhi woke up enveloped in thick smog with significantly reduced visibility across the region. The air quality remained consistently in the 'very poor' category throughout the day, causing concern among environmental authorities and citizens alike.
Monitoring Stations Reveal Widespread Pollution
Data collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) painted a grim picture of Delhi's air quality situation. Out of the 39 monitoring stations operating across the city, an alarming 34 stations recorded AQI readings in the 'very poor' category. The area worst affected was Bawana, where the Air Quality Index reached a concerning 411 at 9 pm, marking it as the most polluted location in Delhi.
The city's average AQI showed some fluctuation during the day but remained firmly in the dangerous territory. At 7 am, the overall Air Quality Index stood at 391, which officials identified as the season's worst reading so far. While there was some improvement by evening, with the AQI dropping to 352 by 9 pm, the levels still qualified as 'very poor' according to established standards.
Authorities Review Situation But Hold Back Stricter Measures
The Commission for Air Quality Management Sub-Committee (CAQM) on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) convened a review meeting on Sunday to assess the deteriorating air quality situation. After careful consideration of current conditions and meteorological forecasts provided by IMD and IITM, the sub-committee reached an important decision regarding pollution control measures.
The invocation of Stage-III of GRAP will not be implemented at this time, according to the official press statement released after the meeting. Instead, the ongoing measures under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP schedule will continue to be enforced across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The authorities noted that Delhi's daily average AQI had shown a consistent declining trend through the day, improving from 391 at 10 am to 370 at 4 pm, and further dropping to 365 at 5 pm. However, they emphasized that the sub-committee is maintaining close surveillance on the air quality situation and will conduct further reviews as necessary based on evolving conditions.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that Delhi's overall AQI is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days, suggesting that residents should prepare for continued poor air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
