On the morning of November 8, the national capital bore the early signs of winter and escalating pollution: the New Delhi metropolitan region recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 335, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ - or red - zone, while the mercury dropped to around 11 °C.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data and Delhi’s Air Quality Early Warning System, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) continues to dominate the pollutant mix. Several localities, including Bawana (AQI 403) and Vivek Vihar (AQI 387), crossed into the ‘severe’ category, exacerbating health risks for children, the elderly and respiratory-vulnerable residents.
The troubling levels follow a trend since Diwali, in which the city’s air quality has oscillated between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories - and now appears to be inching toward more critical thresholds. Experts say the combination of seasonal temperature inversion, minimal wind speeds and emissions from vehicles, construction and neighbouring states’ stubble-burning is intensifying the smog cover. Authorities are urging restriction of outdoor activity, wearing N95 masks, and deploying pollution-mitigation measures. The situation signals the onset of what is typically the most polluted phase of the year for the city.
