Key Highlights:
- Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 384 in the very poor category at 8:00 am, with 19 of 39 stations reporting severe levels above 400 per Central Pollution Control Board data.
- Neighboring Noida recorded AQI 404, Greater Noida 377, and Ghaziabad 350, all driven by high PM2.5 concentrations.
- Cold wave and stagnant winds trap pollutants, worsening Delhi air pollution as vehicular emissions contribute 19.5% to the mix.
Opening Overview
Delhi air pollution has intensified dramatically, blanketing the national capital in toxic smog on November 28, 2025. Residents woke to an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384 at 8:00 am, firmly in the very poor category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings from 39 stations. Mundka topped the list at 436, followed by Rohini at 432, Jahangirpuri at 420, and Anand Vihar at 408, pushing Delhi air pollution into severe territory across multiple zones.
This sharp spike follows a brief respite, with Thursday’s 24-hour average AQI at 377 compared to 327 on Wednesday. CPCB classifies AQI 401-500 as severe, posing risks even to healthy individuals through respiratory irritation and cardiovascular strain. The crisis underscores seasonal Delhi air pollution patterns, exacerbated by winter inversions that trap fine particulates like PM2.5.
Beyond Delhi, NCR cities suffer similarly: Noida’s AQI hit 404, entering severe levels, while Greater Noida and Ghaziabad logged 377 and 350, respectively. Forecasts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate persistent very poor conditions due to low wind speeds and dropping temperatures around 8-12°C. Authorities urge reduced outdoor activity amid this Delhi air pollution surge, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action.
Station-Wise AQI Breakdown and Trends
- 19 Delhi stations exceeded AQI 400, including Punjabi Bagh (417), RK Puram (418), Wazirpur (416).
- NCR trends show Noida at severe 404, with PM2.5 as primary pollutant across regions.
Delhi air pollution manifests starkly in station-specific data from CPCB‘s November 27 bulletin, where the city averaged 377 (very poor) from all 39 stations. By November 28 morning, escalation pushed 19 sites into severe: Chandni Chowk at 408, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 401, Burari Crossing at 403, and Narela at 407. These levels reflect PM2.5 dominance, with concentrations far above safe limits defined by CPCB standards (AQI 0-50 good, 301-400 very poor, 401-500 severe).
Historical context reveals volatility: Delhi’s AQI fell to 327 on November 26 before rebounding, prompting CAQM to revoke GRAP Stage-III briefly on November 19 when averages hit 327. Yet, November 27 data lists neighboring Ghaziabad at 358 (very poor), Greater Noida 381, and Gurugram 317, signaling regional Delhi air pollution spread. IITM’s Early Warning System corroborates, noting very poor AQI at 4 PM on November 27 with no immediate relief.
| Station | AQI (Nov 28, 8 AM) | Category | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mundka | 436 | Severe | PM2.5 |
| Rohini | 432 | Severe | PM2.5 |
| Jahangirpuri | 420 | Severe | PM2.5 |
| Noida | 404 | Severe | PM2.5 |
| Greater Noida | 377 | Very Poor | PM2.5 |
| Ghaziabad | 350 | Very Poor | PM10, PM2.5 |
This table draws from CPCB real-time monitoring, emphasizing hotspots fueling Delhi air pollution.
Meteorological Factors Fueling the Crisis
- Cold wave drops temperatures to 8-12°C, trapping pollutants via inversions.
- Low winds and fog from IMD forecasts sustain very poor AQI through weekend.
Delhi air pollution worsens under meteorological siege, with a cold wave gripping NCR and temperatures plunging to 8-12°C minimums. IMD and IITM forecasts predict mist and stagnant air, confining PM2.5 near ground level and projecting very poor AQI persistence. On November 27 at 4 PM, IITM reported Delhi at 377, attributing stagnation to calm winds below 5 km/h.
Inversions form as cooler air layers atop warmer surfaces, a classic winter amplifier of Delhi air pollution. Data.gov.in‘s real-time feeds confirm instrumental spikes without human intervention, underscoring weather’s role. CAQM notes such conditions drove GRAP invocations, with November 2025 revisions shifting stricter measures to earlier stages.
Source Apportionment and Official Interventions
- Vehicular emissions lead at 19.5%, followed by Ghaziabad (8.2%), Baghpat (7.3%); stubble minimal at 0.7%.
- CAQM enforces GRAP Stages I-II, with schools resuming physical classes post Stage-III lift.
Primary contributors to Delhi air pollution emerge from IITM’s Decision Support System: vehicles at 19.5%, industrial neighbors like Ghaziabad at 8.2%. Stubble burning trails at 0.7%, countering seasonal blame. CPCB’s National Air Quality Index portal tracks these via 39 Delhi stations, enabling targeted GRAP responses.
CAQM revoked Stage-III on November 19 amid AQI dips to 327, retaining Stages I-II like dust control and odd-even readiness. Schools resumed full physical mode November 27 after hybrid mandates lifted, per Directorate of Education. Yet, with AQI rebounding, vigilance persists under revised November 2025 GRAP, banning high-emission activities.
| Source | Contribution (%) | Official Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | 19.5 | GRAP traffic curbs |
| Ghaziabad | 8.2 | Inter-state coordination |
| Baghpat | 7.3 | Dust suppression |
| Stubble | 0.7 | Minimal enforcement |
This analysis integrates CPCB and IITM data for precision.
Health and Economic Impacts
- 68% seek medical help, 85% face rising costs from respiratory issues.
- WHO links prolonged exposure to illness on prolonged exposure in very poor/severe ranges.
Delhi air pollution exacts heavy health tolls, with severe AQI triggering respiratory distress even among the fit. CPCB health statements warn: 301-400 causes illness on prolonged exposure; 401-500 affects healthy lungs. Surveys indicate 68% of residents sought care, 85% incurring higher costs amid the haze.
Economically, productivity dips as fog grounds flights and hybrid work returns. Vulnerable groups face acute risks, per aqicn.org guidelines mirroring CPCB scales. Long-term, IITM forecasts signal sustained Delhi air pollution pressure, demanding citizen adherence to GRAP charters.
Closing Assessment
Delhi air pollution remains a pressing winter scourge, with November 28’s AQI surge to 384 and severe pockets signaling no respite. Official data from CPCB’s 39 stations and IITM forecasts underline meteorological traps amplifying vehicular and regional sources. While GRAP Stages I-II hold, recent lifts underscore fleeting improvements against entrenched Delhi air pollution drivers.
Sustained enforcement, public vigilance, and cross-NCR collaboration offer the path forward. As temperatures hover low, proactive measures must preempt deeper crises, safeguarding millions in this annual battle for clean air.
