Delhi Air Quality Enters Very Poor Category with AQI Above 300

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the very poor category on 2 November 2026 for the first time this season. The Central Pollution Control Board reported a 24-hour average AQI of 310 at 8 a.m. and later readings around 312-324. This is the highest level since 4 February, when the AQI stood at 339.

Three monitoring stations recorded severe air quality at 4 p.m.: Jahangirpuri at 436, Rohini at 415, and Punjabi Bagh at 413. Of 58 stations, 37 were in the very poor range (301-400), 17 in poor (201-300), three severe, and one moderate. Morning readings showed Alipur at 379-382, Mundka at 376-377, and several others above 350.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi forecasts the city will remain in the poor to very poor category for the next five to six days. Graded Response Action Plan Stage 2 measures are in force across Delhi-NCR. These include restrictions on certain vehicle categories and construction activities. Stage 2 applies when the AQI enters the 301-400 band.

A thick haze reduced visibility across the capital. The deterioration followed a brief improvement after rainfall late in October, when the AQI had fallen to 117 on 31 October before rising to 261 on 1 November. Stubble burning contributed an estimated 18.5 percent to pollution on 1 November according to the Decision Support System, with transport emissions at 16.4 percent.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said enforcement teams checked 14,930 vehicles on 1 November and issued 566 challans for Pollution Under Control Certificate violations. Three hundred construction sites were inspected. The government has used print, social media, and radio to raise awareness, along with boards at borders.

Neighboring NCR cities also recorded very poor or higher readings. The forecast indicates continued high pollution through at least 5 November. Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activity. The very poor category means everyone may experience health effects, with greater risk for those with respiratory conditions.

October 2026 had recorded relatively cleaner air for the month compared with recent years. The return of higher AQI levels coincides with the onset of the winter pollution season, when calm winds and temperature inversions trap pollutants. Crop residue burning in neighboring states remains a recurring factor in this period.

CPCB data treats the 4 p.m. bulletin as the official daily average. Morning spikes often reflect overnight accumulation. Individual station extremes, such as Jahangirpuri's 436, show localized peaks even when the citywide average is in the very poor band. Only one station stayed in the moderate category.

Restrictions under GRAP Stage 2 continue the non-BS-VI vehicle bans and other measures already active from Stage 1. Further escalation to Stage 3 would occur if the AQI remains elevated or worsens. Authorities monitor forecasts daily for possible upgrades.

Residents reported low visibility near India Gate and other landmarks. Outdoor exercise and commuting face reduced conditions. Schools have not closed solely for air quality, but the health advisory recommends caution for children and the elderly. The combination of local emissions, regional transport, and meteorological conditions drives the current episode.

The CPCB scale defines 301-400 as very poor and 401-500 as severe. The current readings place most of the city in the former. Sustained levels in this range typically prompt stronger enforcement. Updates from the early warning system will guide the next steps over the coming days.