New Delhi, November 7, 2025 (Indus Zone Media):
Delhi woke up to another alarming morning as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 700 mark, plunging the national capital into the “hazardous” category, according to real-time data from Swiss air quality tracker IQAir.
The thick layer of smog blanketing the city has triggered health warnings and renewed concerns about the capital’s worsening environmental crisis.
Officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) confirmed that Delhi’s overall air quality has seen a steep decline following Diwali celebrations, farm fires in neighbouring states, and low wind activity, which together have trapped pollutants close to the ground.
Delhi Air Quality at ‘Hazardous’ Levels
According to data from IQAir, Delhi’s AQI stood at 727 on Friday morning — one of the worst readings this season. The CPCB’s monitoring stations across the city showed similar readings, confirming that nearly all parts of the national capital are suffering from dangerously high concentrations of PM2.5 — the tiny particulate matter most harmful to human health.
An aerial view of Delhi revealed the city completely shrouded in dense smog, with visibility drastically reduced. Environmental experts have warned that prolonged exposure to this air can lead to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and severe irritation of the eyes and throat.
“The air quality is beyond hazardous levels. It’s not just an environmental issue but a serious public health emergency,” said an environmental scientist from Delhi University.
Officials said wind activity may improve slightly later in the day, which could bring marginal relief.
Delhi Among the Most Polluted Cities in India
The CPCB ranked Delhi as the fourth most polluted city in India on Thursday. Rohtak topped the list in the “very poor” category with an AQI of 348.
Out of 254 cities monitored, 32 of Delhi’s 38 stations recorded AQI levels above 300, with PM2.5 emerging as the key pollutant.
“Delhi’s pollution levels remain dangerously high, with PM2.5 being the primary pollutant trapping toxic air in the city,” said a CPCB official.
Stubble Burning — The Major Culprit Behind Rising Pollution
As per the Air Quality Early Warning System, stubble burning remains the single largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution this week.
The system estimated that farm fires were responsible for 21.5% of Delhi’s PM2.5 levels on Thursday — a figure projected to jump to 36.9% on Friday and 32.4% on Saturday.
Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) detected 94 stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 74 in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday alone.
Meanwhile, the transport sector has also been identified as the second-highest contributor, accounting for 16% of Delhi’s pollution on Thursday.
“The combination of stubble smoke, traffic emissions, and stagnant weather is making Delhi a gas chamber,” said an environmental activist.
Protests Erupt Over ‘Toxic Air’ and Government Inaction
Amid mounting public outrage, student and activist groups staged a mass protest at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, accusing both the Delhi government and the Centre of “failing to act decisively” on the air pollution crisis.
Over 80 demonstrators, including members of Scientists for Society, Campaign for Right to Public Health, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, and Disha Students’ Organisation, participated in the rally. Protesters held banners demanding stronger enforcement of pollution control laws and accountability from political leaders.
“We can’t breathe. This is not a seasonal issue anymore — this is a man-made disaster,” said one of the student protesters.
Global Reactions and Expert Warnings
The pollution in Delhi has once again drawn international attention. Videos posted online by foreign visitors showed the sun barely visible through the smog, with one tourist describing the air as “unbreathable.”
Meanwhile, health experts have urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and run air purifiers indoors.
Doctors have also advised residents to keep windows shut and increase water intake to reduce toxin absorption.
“Delhi’s toxic air is a slow killer — it’s affecting lungs, heart, and even brain health,” warned Dr. Meenakshi Verma, a pulmonologist at AIIMS.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi’s Air?
Meteorological data suggests that wind speeds may improve slightly by Saturday, offering minor respite. However, unless large-scale measures such as crop residue management, vehicle emission reduction, and industrial regulation are enforced, Delhi’s pollution crisis is expected to persist through November.
