Delhi AQI: New Delhi is choking again. On Monday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index shot into the ‘severe’ range—meaning the air’s not just bad, it’s downright hazardous. The Central Pollution Control Board flagged several hotspots: Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, and Wazirpur, all clocking AQI levels over 460. It’s one of the nastiest pollution spells of the season.
Early in the morning, the city woke up under a thick layer of smog. Visibility tanked. People heading out complained about burning eyes and scratchy throats. Hospitals saw more folks coming in with breathing problems.
AQI Touches Hazardous Levels Across the City
Numbers don’t lie. The overall AQI for Delhi hovered around 450—dangerous for everyone, no matter your age. Bawana hit 472, Rohini 468, Mundka 464. These areas are getting hit the hardest.
Experts point fingers at the usual suspects: traffic fumes, factory smoke, and that endless cycle of stubble burning in neighboring states. Add in almost no wind and dropping temperatures, and all those pollutants just hang around, getting thicker by the hour.
Schools, Construction Under Scrutiny as GRAP Stage 3 Likely
Officials aren’t just watching. They’re talking about bringing in GRAP Stage 3, which means tougher rules—banning construction, clamping down on diesel vehicles, and shutting down stone crushers and factories in the NCR. Some schools have already cut down on outdoor activities, and the government keeps urging people to skip unnecessary trips and use public transport.
Health Experts Sound Alarm
Doctors are sounding the alarm. More kids and older people are landing in clinics with asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Their advice is clear: wear an N95 mask, use an air purifier if you can, drink plenty of water, and stay indoors as much as possible. “Long-term exposure can lead to chronic breathing and heart problems. People need to cut down on outdoor time,” warns Dr. R. Mehta from AIIMS.
When Will Delhi Breathe Fresh?
So, when does Delhi get to breathe easy again? Every winter, the same story plays out—short-term fixes, temporary bans, lots of firefighting. But experts keep saying real change needs bold, lasting decisions: cleaner fuels, tighter industry rules, and serious cooperation between states.
For now, people in Delhi are left wondering—how long before fresh air isn’t just a dream?
