Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to another day of hazardous air on Monday, November 17, 2025, as a dense, choking haze refused to lift from the capital's skyline. For the second consecutive day, the air quality index (AQI) remained firmly lodged in the 'severe' category, offering no respite to the millions struggling for a clean breath.
Hazy Skyline and Alarming AQI Readings
The severity of the situation was starkly visible as buildings and main roads were barely visible through the thick blanket of smog in the morning. Official readings confirmed the visual evidence. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded the city's overall AQI at 361, while data from the private monitor AQI.in indicated an even higher figure of 422.
The pollution was not uniformly distributed across the metropolis. Specific localities reported critically high levels of contamination. As per AQI.in, areas like Civil Lines, Mukherjee Nagar, and Mayur Vihar-I were among the worst affected, followed by Mandir Marg and Safdarjung Enclave.
GRAP Stage III Measures Remain in Force
In response to the persistently dangerous pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to continue with Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region.
This stage imposes significant curbs on various high-emission activities in a bid to control the deteriorating air quality. The continued restrictions include a ban on construction work, the operation of brick kilns, and stone crushers. These measures are part of a concerted effort to prevent a further slide into a public health emergency.
A City Gasping for Breath
The continuation of 'severe' air quality signifies a prolonged public health crisis for Delhi. The hazardous air poses serious risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. With visibility reduced and the air thick with pollutants, the city's daily life continues to be severely disrupted, underscoring the urgent need for long-term solutions beyond immediate emergency measures.
