Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to another day of hazardous air on Monday, November 17, 2025, as a thick, choking haze refused to lift from the skyline. The air quality remained firmly in the 'severe' category, forcing authorities to extend stringent pollution control measures with no immediate relief in sight.
Hazy Skyline and Alarming AQI Readings
A dense, grey blanket of pollution enveloped the city, drastically reducing visibility and making buildings and main roads barely visible during the morning hours. The official Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at a worrying 361. Meanwhile, data from the private monitor AQI.in indicated an even more critical situation, pegging the AQI at 422.
Several localities reported particularly dangerous air quality levels. 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 Delhi-NCR. This decision underscores the gravity of the ongoing air quality crisis.
The continuation of GRAP Stage III imposes a series of critical curbs designed to slash emissions. These restrictions include a halt on most construction activities, a ban on the operation of brick kilns and stone crushers, and the suspension of other industrial and commercial operations known for high levels of pollution.
A City Struggling for Breath
The extension of these strict measures highlights the immense challenge Delhi faces every winter. The 'severe' AQI level poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. With the haze showing no signs of dissipating, the people of Delhi continue their grim battle against the toxic air, hoping for a change in weather conditions to bring some respite.
