Delhi AQI Hits 324 as CAQM Imposes GRAP Stage II Across NCR

Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index reached 324 on 2 November 2026, placing the city in the very poor category for the first time this season. The Central Pollution Control Board bulletin listed the figure at 4 pm. The reading marked the highest daily average since 4 February, when the AQI stood at 339, after 271 days of lower values.

The Commission for Air Quality Management Sub-Committee met on the same day, reviewed the current readings and the forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect. Stage II applies when the Delhi AQI sits between 301 and 400. All Stage I measures already in force continue alongside the new restrictions.

Three monitoring stations recorded severe readings at 4 pm: Jahangirpuri at 436, Rohini at 415 and Punjabi Bagh at 413. Of the city’s 58 reporting stations, 37 fell in the very poor band, 17 in poor and one in moderate. The sharp rise followed a brief improvement after rainfall late in October. On 31 October the AQI had been 117 (moderate). It climbed to 261 (poor) on 1 November and then to 324 on 2 November. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversion, trapped pollutants near the surface.

Stage II measures include tighter controls on construction and demolition activity that generates dust, restrictions on the use of diesel generator sets except for essential services, intensified mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, and stricter checks on vehicles without valid pollution-under-control certificates. Public transport services are expected to increase. The CAQM order stated that the forecast indicates the AQI will remain in the very poor category over the coming days.

Visibility dropped across large parts of the city. Residents near India Gate and other open areas reported thick haze from early morning. Medical advice circulating through official channels urged people with respiratory conditions, children and the elderly to limit outdoor exposure. Schools and offices continued normal operations, but outdoor sports and large open-air gatherings face practical constraints under the haze.

Delhi’s winter pollution pattern is well established. Crop residue burning in neighbouring states, local vehicular and industrial emissions, and construction dust combine under stable atmospheric conditions. The current spike arrived earlier than the usual post-Diwali peak in some years, and the GRAP Stage II order is intended to slow further deterioration before festival-related emissions increase. The next CPCB daily average will be published at 4 pm on 3 November. If the AQI remains above 300, Stage II restrictions stay in place. A further rise into the severe band would trigger Stage III measures.

The CAQM document is available on the commission’s website. District administrations and transport authorities have already begun enforcement checks at border points and major roads. The combination of high particulate levels and calm winds is expected to persist at least through 5 November according to the early warning system.