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18m ago

Delhi’s Air Quality Peaks at 391 as Many Stations Hit ‘Severe’ and CAQM Keeps GRAP Stage 3 on Hold

Citing an afternoon improvement with forecasts pointing to sustained “very poor” air, officials held off stricter GRAP curbs.

Delhiites woke up to another day of toxic air on Sunday, as pollution levels remained alarmingly high.
People hold placards as they protest against the worsening air quality in the national capital, at the India Gate, in New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
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A Delhi man posted a video of a pitch black air purifier filter, and viewers reacted with shock.

Overview

  • Central Pollution Control Board data showed a season-high citywide AQI of 391 around 8 am, with more than 20 of 39 stations in the ‘severe’ band and hotspots such as Bawana, Wazirpur, Rohini and ITO above 400.
  • The CAQM sub-committee reviewed conditions and decided not to invoke GRAP Stage 3 after the 24-hour average eased to 370 at 4 pm and 365 at 5 pm, keeping Stages 1–2 in place with continued monitoring.
  • Measured source attribution diverged from forecasts as DSS estimated stubble smoke at about 5.3% of PM2.5 on Sunday versus a projected ~31%, while IMD noted winter conditions and local emissions as key drivers before stronger afternoon winds dispersed some pollution.
  • Across NCR, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad recorded ‘very poor’ air while Gurugram was relatively better, as temperatures dipped to 11.6°C with shallow fog expected.
  • Residents and activists rallied at India Gate demanding action, with several detained by police who cited designated protest rules, and a PIL to the Supreme Court sought pollution’s declaration as a national public health emergency with a time-bound action plan.