Delhi has now spent over 15 days this month in the ‘very poor’ zone. Pollution levels have been rising steadily since Diwali, and many stations continue to inch closer to the ‘severe’ range. The Central Pollution Control Board earlier noted the 24-hour AQI at 377 at 4 PM on Thursday. By 8 PM, the index rose to 381, marking another day of hazardous air.

Despite the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management lifted Stage-3 restrictions under GRAP. Construction activities and industrial curbs introduced earlier in the week will now ease, even though several locations recorded alarming pollution levels.

On November 29, area-wise readings revealed how widespread the Delhi air quality crisis has become. Locations like Narela (387), Dwarka Sector-8 (370), Mundka (367), Rohini (367) and RK Puram (372) showed high concentrations of PM2.5 pollutants. Only a few spots, such as Lodhi Road (307) and IGI Airport (298), displayed marginally better conditions.

Anand Vihar recorded 358, while Punjabi Bagh showed 355. Monitoring stations in Ashok Vihar, Burari Crossing, Sonia Vihar and Wazirpur also remained deep in the red zone. Pollution scientists warn that prolonged exposure to such air can trigger respiratory distress, eye irritation and long-term lung damage.

The Delhi air quality crisis remains one of the city’s toughest winter challenges. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, use masks, and stay updated on hourly AQI trends.

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The Central Pollution Control Board reported an overall AQI of 397 at 9 a.m., placing Delhi firmly in the “very poor” category. Out of 38 monitoring stations, 23 registered “severe” pollution levels, while 13 reported “very poor” air. Only two stations recorded “poor” air quality, showing how widespread the pollution problem remains.

Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 440, followed closely by Chandni Chowk at 438, reflecting highly toxic air in densely populated pockets. Officials reminded citizens that an AQI above 400 falls under the “severe” category, which can seriously impact health.

Alongside the air quality, the India Meteorological Department noted a minimum temperature of 10.2°C, which is 3.3°C below normal. The day is expected to remain clear, with a maximum temperature of around 25°C and morning humidity at 80%.

Authorities continue advising people to limit outdoor activity and take health precautions.

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During a Supreme Court hearing on November 13, Justice PS Narsimha urged lawyers to use virtual facilities, saying, “Even masks are not enough. The pollution will cause permanent damage.” His comments came as visibility dropped across the city, and smog blanketed major areas like India Gate and Kartavya Path.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bawana recorded the highest AQI level at 460, while NSIT Dwarka had the lowest at 216. Around India Gate, the air was in the ‘very poor’ category at 396.

The Court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to file reports on measures to control stubble burning — a major seasonal cause of the Delhi pollution peaks each winter. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that vehicular emissions are still the main contributors to PM2.5 levels, while stubble burning can add up to 30% of Delhi’s pollution.

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