Noida's Air Turns 'Unbreathable' as Pollution Soars
The air quality in Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) plunged to alarming levels, with Noida facing a particularly dire situation. On the morning of November 12, 2025, Noida recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 402, catapulting it into the 'severe' category. The crisis prompted immediate action from authorities, highlighting a sharp divide in air quality across the metropolitan area.
Stark Contrast in Delhi-NCR's Air Quality
While Noida struggled to breathe, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed a contrasting picture in other parts of the region. At 9:00 AM, Greater Noida was in the 'very poor' range with an AQI of 388. Delhi itself recorded an AQI of 414, with Wazirpur being the worst-hit area at a staggering 458. However, amidst the widespread pollution, some areas offered a glimmer of relief. Faridabad registered an AQI of 292, and the NSIT Dwarka monitoring station reported the best air quality in Delhi with an AQI of 216, which is classified as 'poor' but significantly better than the regional average. Gurugram's air was also in the 'very poor' category with an AQI of 355.
Emergency Measures and Health Crisis
In response to the escalating crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 11. These anti-pollution curbs are being enforced across the entire NCR. The CAQM attributed the sudden spike in pollution to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions.
Medical experts are sounding the alarm on the severe health implications. Citing the State of Global Air 2025 report, which noted over two million deaths in India linked to toxic air in 2023, doctors describe the situation as a deepening environmental and human crisis. Dr. Rakesh K Chawla from Rohini's Jaipur Golden Hospital emphasized that this is not a seasonal issue but a continuous assault on public health. He stated that prolonged exposure weakens immunity, worsens asthma, accelerates chronic lung disease, and significantly raises cancer risk due to high PM2.5 concentrations.
