Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Delhi air pollution worsens as winter smog returns
Delhi’s air quality worsened as winter smog returned on Friday, with the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index at 391.
Several areas, including Dwarka, ITO and Rohini, recorded severe pollution levels.
The Central Pollution Control Board says severe air can affect healthy people and seriously harm those with existing illnesses.
Winter pollution rises across Delhi and nearby cities as cold weather and low winds trap emissions near the ground.
Vehicles, industry, road and construction dust, burning waste and crop residue all add to the pollution.
Pollution from beyond Delhi also contributes, making coordination with nearby cities and states important.
The government’s early warning system expects Delhi’s overall air quality to reach the severe category for three days, while experts say lasting progress needs year-round action on pollution sources.
Delhi imposed restrictions on polluting vehicles, construction, and coal and firewood use in eateries as winter smog worsened.
On Friday, November 6, the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index was 391, in the “very poor” category.
Several parts of Delhi recorded “severe” pollution, and an official warning system forecast severe air quality for three days.
Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad also had “very poor” air quality on Friday morning.
- Who
- Delhi authorities imposed pollution-control measures as air quality worsened.
- What
- Restrictions targeted polluting vehicles, construction, and coal and firewood use in eateries, while public transport services were boosted.
- When
- The measures took effect on Monday, November 2, 2026. Delhi’s AQI was 391 on Friday morning, November 6.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- Winter smog and pollution from vehicles, construction, crop waste burning and other sources worsened air quality.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Delhi’s graded pollution-control measures took effect.
Air quality worsened across parts of northern India, and Delhi authorities’ curbs were in force.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 369 at 4 p.m., in the “very poor” category.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 391 at 9 a.m., while several areas recorded “severe” pollution.
- Delhi AQI, November 6 at 9 a.m.
- 391, “very poor
- Delhi AQI, November 5 at 4 p.m.
- 369, “very poor
- Severe-pollution areas
- IIT Delhi, ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana and Jahangirpuri
- Other areas with “very poor” air
- Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad
- Forecast
- Delhi’s air quality was expected to remain “severe” for three days
6 sources
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What people are saying
This is a shared problem, and no single city can solve it alone.
Scientists have said for over a decade that we need airshed-wide, year-round, source-specific action. What we mostly get is seasonal and reactive.
I feel people are not realizing the gravity of the situation.