Red Zone Alert for the National Capital AQI 335

November 8, 2025 1:22 pm

1. The Situation at a Glance

The current 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) in the New Delhi area is around 335, placing it firmly in the “Very Poor” category (301-400). The Economic Times+2NDTV Profit+2
Multiple monitoring stations across the city are reporting values above 320: e.g., Ashok Vihar ~350, RK Puram ~321, etc. The Economic Times+1
Meteorological factors such as low wind speed, cooler night temperatures, and stable atmosphere are exacerbating the pollution accumulation. Down To Earth
Historically, Delhi’s winter smog episodes correspond with high PQ (particle matter) loads, agricultural burn-off in neighbouring states, vehicle & dust emissions. The Guardian+1

What “Very Poor” means: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scale:

Exposure to high AQI levels (especially PM2.5 & PM10) can trigger or worsen respiratory issues: asthma, bronchitis, COPD.
Cardiovascular strain: high pollution can raise blood pressure, contribute to heart disease.
Vulnerable groups: children, elderly, pregnant women, people with pre-existing health conditions.
Reduced visibility & quality of life: smog, dusty air, sense of heaviness when breathing.

Outdoor activity is hazardous: sports, exercise, even casual walks become risky.
Schools, workplaces may see attendance drops; productivity impacts.
Infrastructure & environment: sunlight filtered, long-term pollution build-up leads to ecosystem stress.
Public health costs: prolonged exposure means higher healthcare burden.

Key contributing factors for the current spike:

Agricultural stubble burning in neighbouring states (Punjab & Haryana) sending smoke plumes into the NCR region. The Guardian+1
Vehicular & construction dust emissions within Delhi adding to the PM load.
Favourable meteorology: low wind, cooler nights, stable air mass trap pollutants near surface. Down To Earth+1
Seasonal factors: As winter sets in, inversion layers, less dispersion, higher pollution persistence.
Festive & fire-cracker contribution (around Diwali) in some years but even without that the baseline remains high. The Guardian+1

Stay indoors as much as possible when AQI is in the red zone.
Use good quality N95 / KN95 masks if you must step outside.
Avoid outdoor exercise, running, cycling until air quality improves.
Keep windows closed, use air-purifier if you have one (check filter status).
If you have respiratory or heart issues: follow doctor’s advice, avoid triggers.
Drink plenty of water, maintain humidity indoors (dry air with pollutants worsens irritation).

Forecasts: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) may issue advisories for pollution peaks if winds stay low.
GRAP triggers: Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, certain restrictions (truck bans, construction halt, fire-cracker curbs) may be enforced when AQI crosses thresholds. Down To Earth+1
Localised hotspots: Some areas may be worse than city average; always check local station data.
Post-event spikes: Large festivals, fire-cracker days, or burning events can cause sudden jumps—stay alert.

Positive note: For Jan-Oct 2025, Delhi recorded its best average AQI in eight years (170) and had no “Severe” or “Severe+” days up to Oct. The Times of India
However: The winter season still looms large for risk of high pollution days—so improvement in longer term doesn’t eliminate short-term spikes.
Air quality management remains a long game: reductions in vehicular/dust emissions, regional agricultural policies, weather intervention (e.g., cloud-seeding) are part of the picture.