Delhi AQI Reaches 331 With Eight Stations in Severe Category as GRAP-II Takes Effect

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, five days before Diwali. The city’s average Air Quality Index reached 331 at 7 a.m., placing it in the very poor category, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Eight of 57 monitoring stations recorded severe readings above 400.

Jahangirpuri recorded the highest reading at 451, followed by Rohini at 431, Punjabi Bagh at 424 and Delhi Technological University at 409. Bawana also reached 409. Other stations in the very poor range included Mundka at 397, Pusa at 387, Burari Crossing at 383, Chandni Chowk at 354 and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium area at 350. ITO stood at 373, Patparganj at 379 and DU North Campus at 386.

The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR on Monday with immediate effect after the index climbed from 312 at 9 a.m. on Monday to 324 by 4 p.m. and then to 331 by early Tuesday. Stage II measures run alongside existing Stage I restrictions. They include curbs on diesel generators, coal-fired tandoors and vehicles without valid pollution under control certificates, plus stricter dust-control measures.

Civic bodies, traffic police and pollution control authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan were directed to step up enforcement. Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks at the Ghazipur border as entry restrictions took effect. Eight hotspots entered the severe zone while 33 stations remained very poor and 17 stayed in the poor category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management data showed the average rising steadily through Monday into Tuesday morning. Thick smog blanketed the capital, reducing visibility at major landmarks including India Gate and Akshardham Temple. Residents in northern and western parts of the city faced the highest concentrations.

Stage II restrictions aim to limit additional emissions from construction, industry and transport during the early winter period when meteorological conditions trap pollutants. Authorities have not yet announced further escalation, though continued deterioration could trigger higher stages of the plan before the Diwali festival period.

The current readings mark the latest in a sequence of very poor and severe days as temperatures drop and wind speeds remain low. Monitoring continues at 57 stations across the city, with real-time updates available from the Central Pollution Control Board.