Overview
- Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index remained in the mid‑300s on Sunday, Nov. 15, while numerous monitoring sites across the city continued to record ‘severe’ readings above 400.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management has kept GRAP Stage III curbs in force and Delhi ministers ordered a 50% work‑from‑home cap for government staff to reduce vehicular emissions.
- Real‑time source‑apportionment from Delhi’s decision‑support systems shows vehicles are the single largest contributor to PM2.5 at about 30–32%, with secondary organic aerosols and domestic/biomass and stubble burning together providing a substantial share.
- Meteorological forecasts predict light rain and cloudy conditions for Nov. 15–16, but experts warn light or isolated drizzle usually fails to wash out winter pollutants unless heavy sustained rain occurs.
- Health authorities have urged vulnerable people to avoid outdoor exposure, use N95 masks and indoor purifiers, and the pollution spell since Diwali has prompted calls from the central government for coordinated NCR action and stricter local enforcement.