Delhi-NCR Chokes As AQI Stays ‘Very Poor’; Multiple Stations Report ‘Severe’ Levels

Delhi-NCR continued to grapple with toxic air on Monday as the region remained shrouded in thick smog, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories.

At 6 AM, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 360, signalling hazardous conditions for residents. Six monitoring stations crossed the 400 mark, placing them firmly in the ‘severe’ range.

Several parts of the capital reported alarming pollution levels. Alipur registered an AQI of 386, Anand Vihar 384, Ashok Vihar 392, Chandni Chowk 383, ITO 394, Lodhi Road 337, Mundka 396, Nehru Nagar 389, and Sirifort 368.

Meanwhile, Bawana (427), DTU (403), Jahangirpuri (407), Narela (406), Rohini (404), and Wazirpur (401) reported ‘severe’ AQI levels, indicating dangerous air quality that poses serious health risks.

Meteorological factors, including stagnant wind conditions, combined with pollution sources such as stubble burning, continue to worsen air quality in the region.

Supreme Court to Resume Crucial Hearing

Against this backdrop, the Supreme Court is set to resume hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the worsening pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The matter will be taken up on Monday by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria.

The hearing carries significance as the Court continues to monitor the crisis closely.

In the previous session on 12 November, the CJI-led Bench expressed serious concern over deteriorating air quality despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Bench had directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file affidavits detailing measures undertaken to curb stubble burning.

During earlier proceedings, the Court noted submissions that AQI had crossed 450 at several locations in Delhi-NCR.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted that even routine construction activities, including drilling outside the Supreme Court premises, continued despite the hazardous conditions, urging the Court to halt such activities temporarily.

Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh also flagged discrepancies in pollution data and described the situation as ‘very dangerous’, calling for urgent corrective steps.

Strict Action Sought to Curb Stubble Burning

The CJI-led Bench has previously called for a detailed report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on its enforcement mechanisms.

It even asked the Central government to consider strict penalties—including arrests—to deter farmers from burning crop residue, one of the major contributors to the pollution spike.

Recently, Supreme Court judge Justice PS Narasimha advised advocates to refrain from physical appearances and opt for virtual hearings, warning that Delhi’s toxic air could cause ‘permanent damage’.

Also Read: Delhi Suffers Under Hazardous Air Quality As Winter Grips City