Around 20 million people in India’s capital woke up on Wednesday breathing the most polluted air of any major city in the world, a day after celebrations for the Diwali festival, during which revelers typically set off fireworks and firecrackers.

Like every year, this year too, the national capital of India, New Delhi, is struggling to control the rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR. As the second week of November begins, a thick smog has taken over the capital as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen into the 'very poor' category across several parts of the city.

As the overall air quality of Delhi worsened to the “severe” category, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) morning imposed stricter emergency air pollution control measures in the entire National Capital Region.

Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the ‘severe’ category, prompting authorities to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as th

As the Centre activated stricter anti-pollution measures in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, 11 November, the Congress criticised the government for focusing on “crisis management” instead of long-term “crisis avoidance”, calling for sustained, multi-sectoral efforts throughout the year rather than short bursts of action every winter.

The Graded Response Action Plan is a framework that guides emergency measures to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It classifies air quality into four escalating stages.

Delhi saw its AQI spike to 425 which forced authorities to activate Stage 3 of GRAP. This means fresh curbs on construction activity specific vehicle categories and schooling format. Experts say winter meteorology is a major trigger for pollutant buildup.

Delhi records season’s first ‘severe’ air day as AQI breaches 460, turning the capital into a choking gas chamber.

As the air quality in Delhi touched 'Severe' levels for the first time this season today, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

An AIIMS-trained neurologist shares five crucial ways to protect yourself from Delhi’s toxic air, covering when to open windows, mask safety, air purifiers, nutrition, and smart daily habits to reduce exposure.