Delhi Pollution 2026: AQI Turns ‘Severe’ After Diwali as Smog Chokes the Capital
New Delhi | 10 November 2026
Delhi is struggling with another toxic winter. The city’s air quality fell into the ‘severe’ category on 9 November, with the overall AQI at 391 at 7 am according to CPCB, and several areas crossed the 400 mark. This is the worst reading of the season so far. Residents are now dealing with smog, irritated eyes and breathing trouble. outlookbusiness
Delhi AQI Today: What the Latest Data Shows
Air quality improved slightly on the morning of 10 November, with the AQI at 345 at 8 am, after the season’s high of 391 the day before. That is still deep in the ‘very poor’ band. Other outlets report slightly different morning figures, because AQI varies by time of reading and by monitoring station. outlookbusiness
The slide began before Diwali. On 1 November, Delhi’s air was still in the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 214. By 2 November it had reached 307, and 53 of the 58 stations with valid readings were above 200. After Diwali, the Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that air quality could enter the ‘severe’ category from Monday. Sunday, November 01, 2026 | 10:28 AM ISTहिंदी में पढें +2
Why Is Delhi’s Air So Polluted?
Delhi’s winter pollution comes from several sources at once. Reports on this season point to:
- Post-Diwali firecracker smoke, which pushed levels up sharply over the festival weekend.
- Crop residue (stubble) burning in neighbouring states, a recurring factor each autumn. Outlook’s coverage of the post-Diwali smog flags stubble burning in Punjab as a contributor. outlookindia
- Vehicle and industrial emissions and construction dust, which make up the city’s year-round pollution load.
- Weather conditions. The IMD says weak winds and dry weather are likely to keep pollution levels high, with no rain forecast until 15 November. oneindia
Some analysts argue that winter pollution needs examination beyond Diwali alone. Pollutants build up through the season, and cold, still air traps them close to the ground.
GRAP Restrictions in Delhi-NCR
Delhi-NCR imposed GRAP Stage 1 when the AQI slipped into the ‘poor’ category, and the Delhi Metro added 20 weekday trips. Expanded winter pollution-control measures took effect on 1 November 2026. The Graded Response Action Plan tightens rules in stages as air quality worsens. GRAP-3 measures were still on hold as of 10 November. Delhi-NCR Imposes GRAP Stage 1 As AQI Slips Into Poor Category +2
Government Plans and Public Pressure
In April, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled Delhi’s air pollution mitigation plan for 2026. The government has also said pollution needs year-round action, and Delhi has added six new monitoring stations. business-standardbusiness-standard
Public frustration is visible. Delhi Police detained people protesting at India Gate on 9 November who were demanding that the government formulate policies to curb air pollution in the national capital region. outlookbusiness
How to Protect Yourself From Delhi’s Air Pollution
These are general precautions, not medical advice:
- Limit outdoor exercise on ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ days, especially early morning and late evening.
- Wear a well-fitted N95 or FFP2 mask outdoors. Cloth and surgical masks filter far less fine particulate matter.
- Keep windows closed during peak smog hours and use an air purifier if you can.
- Protect children, older adults and people with asthma or heart conditions. They are most at risk.
- Check AQI before heading out using the CPCB’s SAMEER app or official CPCB data.
- Seek medical help for persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.
What Happens Next?
With no rain forecast before 15 November, relief looks unlikely in the short term. Whether the authorities escalate to GRAP-3 will depend on how the AQI moves over the coming days. We will keep updating this story as new data comes in.
