Delhi CHOKES as Delhiites breathe toxic air again, AQI above 300 – what is the cause of air pollution?

Delhi Air Pollution: Residents of Delhi and neighbouring NCR woke up to another morning on Friday that is blanketed by a thick layer of smog. The air quality levels deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 307 at 8 am. A rapid deterioration has been recorded in the AQI over the past 24 hours. On Thursday evening, the overall AQI surged to 311, an increase of over 100 points in a single day.

Delhi Pollution: What Experts Are Saying?

According to experts, the reason behind the deteriorating air quality is stubble burning, stagnant weather condition and bursting of firecracker during Gurpurab. However, vehicles in the national capital also contributed to the pollution.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around Kartavya Path this morning as a layer of smog lingers in the air. CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) claims that AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 297, categorised as ‘Poor’. pic.twitter.com/iR4hcwab8n

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025

As per the Data from the Centre’s Decision Support System, the stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab contributed 9.48 percent to the national capital’s PM2.5 levels yesterday, marking  it as the highest this winter so far. It is projected that the share to surge 38 percent on Friday because the northwesterly winds are expected to bring more smoke to the region.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around Anand Vihar this morning as a layer of smog lingers in the air. CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) claims that AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 329, categorised as ‘Very Poor’. pic.twitter.com/pp6Wf9IwIq

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025

One Of The Most Polluted Phases Of Delhi’s Winter Season

This period marks one of the most polluted phases of Delhi’s winter season. As local winds slow and temperatures drop, smoke from stubble fires mixes with emissions from vehicles, construction dust, and industrial activity, turning the city’s air toxic. Experts warn that these conditions could trigger a full-blown public health emergency if pollution levels continue to rise.

#WATCH | Pradeep Tiwari, cycling at Kartavya Path, says, “I cycle regularly. The pollution level gets very high on a few days. Yesterday, it was better. Today, it is bad. You can see my eyes watering, I can feel irritation in my eyes. But there seems to be no permanent solution… https://t.co/Zd0amexzA4 pic.twitter.com/hZDc5h8K4q

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025

Area-wise AQI in Delhi (November 7, 2025)

As data shows, it is one of the most polluted phases of the national capital’s winter season. With local winds slowing down and temperatures has started decreasing, smoke from agricultural stubble burning is combining with vehicle emissions, construction dust and industrial pollutants, resulting in hazardous air quality in Delhi and neighbouring NCR.

Experts have raised an alarm that a continued rise in pollution levels may lead to a major public health emergency.