Delhi’s pollution levels hit dangerous levels, with AQI reaching 605; toxic air in many areas

November 4, 2026

New Delhi: Pollution created a serious situation in the national capital, Delhi, on Wednesday morning. At 7:41 am, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 605. Air quality in many areas of the city was recorded in the “severe” category, causing increased discomfort for residents.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI around India Gate was recorded at 414, Ghazipur at 410, and Dhaula Kuan at 417. All these areas fell into the “severe” category. Additionally, Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 452, ITO at 418, and RK Puram at 423.

Meanwhile, the AQI was recorded at 369 in Chandni Chowk, 358 at IGI Airport (T3), 304 at Lodhi Road, and 328 at Vasundhara Enclave. The air quality in these areas remained in the “very poor” category. Meanwhile, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 300, which was classified as “poor.”

Police Checks at Delhi-Gurugram Border

In view of the rising pollution levels, police launched a vehicle check drive at the Delhi-Gurugram border. This action came amid restrictions on vehicle entry into Delhi under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II).

Meanwhile, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said on Tuesday that the Central Commission for Air Quality Management is continuously monitoring meteorological conditions, monitoring wind direction, speed, and flow. He added that necessary steps are being taken based on the assessment of these conditions.

Despite a decrease in stubble burning incidents, the air quality remains poor

Pollution levels in Delhi have risen at a time when the government claims that stubble burning incidents have decreased compared to previous years. According to the government, a large portion of the paddy straw has been used for other purposes outside the fields.

Regarding the reduction in stubble burning incidents in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Bhupendra Yadav said that approximately 40 percent of the paddy straw has been used for ex-situ management this time.

Regarding the question of Delhi’s air reaching the severe category despite stubble management measures, he said that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is continuously monitoring weather conditions.

He said, “CAQM is continuously monitoring weather conditions, including wind direction, wind speed, and flow. Necessary steps are being taken based on these assessments.”

AQI recorded 175 in Mumbai

On the other hand, the overall AQI in Maharashtra’s capital Mumbai was recorded at 175, which falls in the ‘unhealthy’ category, according to CPCB data.

Talking about different areas of Mumbai, the AQI was recorded at 74 in Borivali East, 97 in Chakala-Andheri East, 86 in Kandivali West, 87 in Malad West, and 96 in Worli. The air quality in all these areas remained in the ‘satisfactory’ category.

On the other hand, Shivaji Nagar recorded an AQI of 109, which falls in the ‘moderate’ category.