Delhi Air Quality Stays ‘Very Poor’ as AQI Nears 400; 20 Stations Slip Into ‘Severe’ Zone

Delhi’s air quality remained lodged in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday morning, with the city recording an overall AQI of 397 at 6am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Low wind speeds and dipping temperatures continued to trap pollutants close to the surface.

Of the 39 monitoring stations across the capital, 20 reported AQI levels above 400—classified as ‘severe’—while the remaining 19 registered readings between 300 and 400, or ‘very poor’. The capital has now seen 18 near-continuous days of ‘very poor’ air since November 6, including three ‘severe’ days between November 11 and 13. The seasonal onset of winter and farm fires after Diwali have compounded the pollution spike.

Vivek Vihar and Rohini recorded the day’s worst AQI levels at 458, followed by Jahangirpuri (455), Wazirpur (448) and DTU (444).

Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 391 at 4pm on Sunday—up from 370 on Saturday and 364 on Friday—highlighting a steady decline in air quality.

Health experts have warned of a rise in respiratory, ocular and pulmonary illnesses, prompting the government to implement Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with provisions for Stage 4 measures if conditions worsen further.

Protests Over Air Crisis Turn Chaotic at India Gate

Public anger over hazardous air conditions spilled onto the streets on Sunday evening as citizens gathered at India Gate to demonstrate against worsening pollution. The protest turned chaotic when some participants allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel as officers attempted to disperse the crowd.

According to officials, protesters had assembled near C-Hexagon, where their presence was blocking ambulances and medical staff. “We tried to explain that emergency vehicles needed clear passage, but they refused to move,” a senior police officer told PTI. “The situation escalated into a scuffle, and some protesters used chilli powder on our personnel—something extremely rare.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said several officers suffered eye and facial irritation and were receiving treatment at RML Hospital. “This was very unusual. For the first time, protesters used pepper spray on officers handling traffic and law and order,” he said.

Police said legal action would be taken against those involved in the incident.