Delhi AQI Hits-307 as Winter Pollution Curbs Come Into Effect

Air pollution in Delhi intensified in November 2026, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 307 and entering the 'Very Poor' category. The deterioration was also observed in neighbouring cities of the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). In response, authorities have implemented additional winter pollution-control measures to reduce emissions from vehicles, construction activities and other sources.

Why in the News?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 307 at 7 am on November 2, 2026, placing it in the 'Very Poor' category.

• Out of 58 monitoring stations with valid readings, 53 recorded AQI levels above 200.
• Around 37 stations recorded AQI levels above 300.
• Jahangirpuri was the most polluted location in Delhi, with an AQI of 417, falling under the 'Severe' category.
• The deterioration in air quality was also observed in neighbouring cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Gurugram.
• The latest readings came a day after expanded winter pollution-control measures came into force on November 1.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate the quality of air and its possible health effects on people.

• It converts complex air pollution data into a single numerical value.
• It helps people understand the level of air pollution and associated health risks.
• In India, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is monitored and reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI Categories in India:

Health Impacts:

• Very Poor (301-400): Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness.
• Severe (401-500): Can affect even healthy people and seriously impact those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Air Pollution Situation in Delhi and NCR

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI of Delhi has reached a 24-hour average of 330, placing it in the Very Poor category. Meanwhile, real-time readings range between 382 and 415, with areas such as Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, and Jahangirpuri recording pollution levels in the Severe category. Most Polluted Locations in Delhi:

• Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 417, placing it in the Severe category.
• Tikri Kalan recorded the lowest AQI among reporting Delhi stations at 159.
• Ghummanhera recorded 182, while Maidan Garhi recorded 186. Air Quality in NCR Cities:

Cities with the Highest and Lowest AQI in India

According to the CPCB dataset, pollution levels were particularly high in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, raising concerns over the worsening Delhi-NCR Pollution Alert situation. Several regions reported elevated AQI levels, highlighting the growing impact of winter pollution, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and crop residue burning. The deteriorating air quality has increased the need for effective pollution-control measures across the National Capital Region.

Highest AQI:

Lowest AQI:

These cities recorded air quality in the Good category.

Delhi's Winter Pollution-Control Measures

The expanded winter pollution-control measures took effect on November 1, 2026, to reduce pollution during the winter season.

1. Restrictions on Vehicles

• Non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi face restrictions on entering and operating in the capital.
• Exemptions are provided for CNG and electric vehicles and specified categories.
• Vehicles must carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
• The 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy is being enforced.

2. Work from Home and Office Attendance

• Government and private offices are required to follow 50% physical attendance.
• The remaining employees are to work from home.

3. Restrictions on Construction Activities

• Dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities face restrictions from November 1 to January 31.
• Essential public infrastructure activities are covered under specified exemptions.

4. Parking Charges

• Parking charges at authorised parking sites are being increased to discourage private vehicle usage.

5. Staggered Office Timings

• Government offices are required to implement staggered working hours to help reduce traffic congestion.

Additional Construction Restrictions Across NCR

Apart from Delhi's winter action plan, the Centre has announced additional restrictions across the National Capital Region.

• A complete suspension of construction and demolition activities will be implemented across NCR.
• The restriction will remain in force from November 5 to November 20, 2026.
• The measure aims to reduce dust pollution during the winter season.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

• It operates in different stages depending on the severity of air pollution.
• Restrictions become progressively stricter as air quality deteriorates.
• It includes measures targeting vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution and other sources.

Recent Changes in GRAP Framework:

• The revised framework has tightened vehicle-related restrictions.
• Certain restrictions on buses and diesel generator sets have been brought into an earlier stage.
• The objective is to take preventive action before pollution levels become more severe.

Conclusion

The deterioration in Delhi's air quality highlights the recurring challenge of Winter Pollution in Delhi NCR National Capital Region. The implementation of vehicle restrictions, construction curbs, work-from-home measures and GRAP provisions reflects the need for coordinated action. However, long-term improvement requires continuous monitoring, better transport systems, control of construction dust and effective coordination among Delhi and neighbouring states.