The air quality in India's capital has plunged into the 'very poor' category, creating a thick haze over the city and raising serious health concerns among residents and authorities alike.
Worsening Air Pollution Across Delhi
On Friday, November 28, 2025, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 384, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. This marks the 14th consecutive day that the capital has been grappling with dangerously polluted air.
Data from multiple monitoring stations revealed an even more alarming situation, with several areas slipping into the 'severe' category by crossing the 400 AQI mark. Anand Vihar recorded 411 AQI, Bawana reached 414, Chandni Chowk hit 407, and Narela also registered 407. Other severely affected areas included JLN Stadium (401), Burari (402), Ashok Vihar (417), and Aya Nagar (402).
Consistent Deterioration and Forecast
The capital has witnessed a consistent deterioration in air quality throughout the week. The 24-hour average AQI settled at 377 on Thursday, compared to 327 on Wednesday, 352 on Tuesday, and 382 on Monday. This persistent pattern indicates a sustained period of hazardous air conditions that show no immediate signs of improvement.
According to the forecast by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is likely to remain 'very poor' throughout the coming week, extending the prolonged exposure of millions of residents to harmful pollutants.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast misty conditions, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 24 and 9 degrees Celsius respectively. These meteorological conditions are contributing to the trapping of pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
Health Implications and Regional Impact
Medical professionals across the city have expressed growing concern about the health impact of the deteriorating air quality. Doctors are emphasizing the urgent need for regular diagnostic screening to detect early signs of pollution-related health deterioration.
Vulnerable groups including smokers, asthma patients, children, and individuals with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory conditions face the highest risk and require particular attention during such severe pollution episodes.
Meanwhile, Mumbai is also confronting air quality challenges, though to a lesser extent than Delhi. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken proactive measures by issuing stop-work notices to 53 construction sites for contributing to air pollution. The civic body has directed strict adherence to air pollution guidelines, including the installation of operational AQI monitoring sensors at all times. Mumbai's AQI stood at 197 on Saturday morning, placing it in the 'moderate' category according to AQI.in.
As both major Indian cities grapple with air quality issues, the situation in Delhi remains particularly critical, with the CPCB's classification system highlighting the severity: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
