Delhi woke up to slightly clearer skies on Friday morning, bringing a small respite from the choking smog that had blanketed the city for days. However, the improvement was modest, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category, signalling that pollution levels continue to pose health concerns for residents.
Delhi’s AQI Shows Marginal Improvement but Still Worrying
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 268 at 8 am on Friday, falling under the ‘poor’ category. This marked an improvement from Thursday morning, when the AQI stood at 352, categorised as ‘very poor’.
Several key monitoring stations reflected this downward trend in pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 282, Dwarka Sector-8 288, and Punjabi Bagh 293, all in the ‘poor’ range. Meanwhile, stations like Chandni Chowk (194), CRRI Mathura Road (198), and Lodhi Road (199) recorded ‘moderate’ air quality, hinting at better breathing conditions in some pockets.
However, pollution hotspots continued to suffer. Areas such as Wazirpur (355), Ashok Vihar (328), Bawana (349), Jahangirpuri (312), and Rohini (323) reported ‘very poor’ air quality, highlighting that the city’s air remains far from healthy.
Post-Diwali Pollution: GRAP Stage II Still in Force
Since Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has struggled to recover from the surge in particulate matter caused by firecrackers, stubble burning, and weather conditions trapping pollutants near the surface. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II continues to remain in force across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, minimise outdoor physical activities, and rely more on public transport. The ongoing restrictions are aimed at preventing the situation from slipping into the ‘severe’ zone again.
NDMC Doubles Parking Fees to Curb Private Vehicle Use
In a decisive move to discourage the use of private vehicles, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced a doubling of parking fees in all areas under its jurisdiction. The revised rates apply to both outdoor and indoor parking spaces.
Officials said the measure aligns with GRAP guidelines and aims to push commuters towards shared and public transport options, thereby reducing vehicular emissions, one of the primary contributors to Delhi’s pollution.
Non-Compliant Commercial Vehicles Banned from Entering Delhi
To further control vehicular pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI-compliant commercial goods vehicles into Delhi from 1 November 2025.
According to the directive, only BS-VI vehicles, which meet the latest emission standards, will be permitted entry into the capital. Non-compliant vehicles will be completely phased out by October 31, 2026, ensuring a gradual but firm shift towards cleaner transport.
Cloud Seeding Operations Continue as Emergency Measure
As part of its multi-pronged strategy to tackle air pollution, the Delhi government recently carried out two rounds of cloud seeding operations, an artificial rain method intended to reduce airborne pollutants.
Although the results have been mixed, the government said these operations are part of a broader experimental approach to explore long-term pollution control strategies, especially during the winter months when air quality traditionally dips.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi’s Air?
While Friday’s marginal improvement offers a glimmer of hope, experts warn that without sustained wind speed and stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures, the city could soon slip back into the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ categories.
With the festive season continuing and weather conditions expected to become colder and less windy, authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with GRAP measures and adopt greener practices.
For now, Delhi’s residents can breathe a little easier, but the battle against pollution is far from over.
Delhi’s AQI Shows Marginal Improvement but Still Worrying
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 268 at 8 am on Friday, falling under the ‘poor’ category. This marked an improvement from Thursday morning, when the AQI stood at 352, categorised as ‘very poor’.
Several key monitoring stations reflected this downward trend in pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 282, Dwarka Sector-8 288, and Punjabi Bagh 293, all in the ‘poor’ range. Meanwhile, stations like Chandni Chowk (194), CRRI Mathura Road (198), and Lodhi Road (199) recorded ‘moderate’ air quality, hinting at better breathing conditions in some pockets.
However, pollution hotspots continued to suffer. Areas such as Wazirpur (355), Ashok Vihar (328), Bawana (349), Jahangirpuri (312), and Rohini (323) reported ‘very poor’ air quality, highlighting that the city’s air remains far from healthy.
Post-Diwali Pollution: GRAP Stage II Still in Force
Since Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has struggled to recover from the surge in particulate matter caused by firecrackers, stubble burning, and weather conditions trapping pollutants near the surface. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II continues to remain in force across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, minimise outdoor physical activities, and rely more on public transport. The ongoing restrictions are aimed at preventing the situation from slipping into the ‘severe’ zone again.
NDMC Doubles Parking Fees to Curb Private Vehicle Use
In a decisive move to discourage the use of private vehicles, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced a doubling of parking fees in all areas under its jurisdiction. The revised rates apply to both outdoor and indoor parking spaces.
Officials said the measure aligns with GRAP guidelines and aims to push commuters towards shared and public transport options, thereby reducing vehicular emissions, one of the primary contributors to Delhi’s pollution.
Non-Compliant Commercial Vehicles Banned from Entering Delhi
To further control vehicular pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI-compliant commercial goods vehicles into Delhi from 1 November 2025.
According to the directive, only BS-VI vehicles, which meet the latest emission standards, will be permitted entry into the capital. Non-compliant vehicles will be completely phased out by October 31, 2026, ensuring a gradual but firm shift towards cleaner transport.
Cloud Seeding Operations Continue as Emergency Measure
As part of its multi-pronged strategy to tackle air pollution, the Delhi government recently carried out two rounds of cloud seeding operations, an artificial rain method intended to reduce airborne pollutants.
Although the results have been mixed, the government said these operations are part of a broader experimental approach to explore long-term pollution control strategies, especially during the winter months when air quality traditionally dips.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi’s Air?
While Friday’s marginal improvement offers a glimmer of hope, experts warn that without sustained wind speed and stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures, the city could soon slip back into the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ categories.
With the festive season continuing and weather conditions expected to become colder and less windy, authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with GRAP measures and adopt greener practices.
For now, Delhi’s residents can breathe a little easier, but the battle against pollution is far from over.
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