Delhi breathes uneasy relief, air still very poor.
Delhi’s lungs still choke — CPCB data shows Anand Vihar, Bawana, Burari worst-hit as pollution grips city with heavy smog.
Minor Relief, But Delhi Still Struggles to Breathe: AQI at 345, Residents Complain of Breathlessness and Burning Eyes
Delhi woke up to a pale, smoky sky on Monday (November 10, 2025) morning. There was a hint of improvement in the air quality — a marginal dip that offered only a faint sense of relief to its weary residents. But the numbers told a grim story. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 345 at 8 a.m., still locked in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A day earlier, Delhi’s air had plunged deeper into the danger zone, with an AQI of 391, teetering on the edge of the ‘severe’ mark. Monday’s slight drop meant little to those living under the smog blanket — the sky still wore a dirty grey hue, visibility remained low, and breathing was as difficult as ever.
According to CPCB data, several monitoring stations across the capital continued to record alarming levels of pollution.
In simple terms, this means that most parts of the national capital are breathing toxic air — air filled with fine particles small enough to enter the bloodstream and damage lungs, hearts, and even the brain.
“This is Not Fog, This is Pollution,” Says Resident
For Delhiites, this has become an annual ritual — the post-Diwali haze that refuses to lift. Many residents say they feel helpless, as the familiar symptoms return: scratchy throats, watery eyes, and that constant burning sensation in the lungs.
“Pollution is really high. This is not fog, this is pollution. The government must take steps. Crackers were burst, and smoke from stubble burning also comes to Delhi,” said Rahul, a resident, speaking to ANI.
His words echo the sentiment of millions who have learned to live under this toxic cloud. Hospitals across Delhi often report a surge in patients suffering from respiratory issues during this time of the year — especially children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart conditions.
Understanding the AQI
The Air Quality Index is a number that indicates how clean or polluted the air is. The CPCB categorises it as follows:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
Monday’s figure of 345 puts Delhi squarely in the ‘very poor’ category — a level where prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness in even healthy people.
The Perfect Storm: Stubble, Smoke, and Season
Every year around this time, Delhi becomes a gas chamber — a result of a deadly combination of weather conditions, local emissions, and cross-border pollution. Post-Diwali, the situation worsens as the winter sets in and wind speed drops. The city’s pollutants, already high from vehicle emissions, construction dust, and industrial smoke, get trapped close to the ground.
Adding to the crisis is the stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana. Farmers set fire to their fields to clear crop residue, and the resulting smoke travels hundreds of kilometres to settle over the Delhi-NCR region. This year has been no different, with satellite imagery showing large clusters of farm fires in north India over the past week.
Despite repeated appeals and several government interventions, the practice continues — partly because farmers lack affordable alternatives and partly due to delayed enforcement.
Delhi’s Response: Measures and Missteps
Authorities have tried various measures to tackle the pollution — from the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) that restricts construction and bans diesel generators, to odd-even vehicle schemes and school closures. Water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and even artificial rain have been discussed or deployed at different times.
However, experts argue that these steps, while helpful, are largely reactive. “We need long-term, systemic solutions — cleaner public transport, industrial regulation, and coordinated regional efforts,” says environmentalist Rachna Tiwari, adding that short-term bans alone cannot fix the root of the problem.
The Human Cost
Beyond the numbers and policies lies the real cost — the lives silently affected. Morning joggers have given up their routines; schoolchildren wear masks again, not for COVID but for smog; and traffic lights blink dimly through the haze.
Delhi’s story this November is one of endurance — a city gasping for breath, where a dip in AQI from 391 to 345 is celebrated as a “relief.” For millions, it’s a fragile reprieve in a battle that feels endless.