As Delhi grapples with “severe” air pollution, regions around the capital are also feeling the impact of deteriorating air quality. Noida recorded an average air quality index (AQI) of 402 on Wednesday, also falling in the “severe” range, while greater Noida fared better and was in the very poor range with an AQI of 388 at 9 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
Delhi recorded an AQI of 414 on November 12, with seven air quality monitoring stations out of 39 reporting AQI in the very poor or poor range. With alarming pollution levels across the state capital, Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI of 458. Only the NSIT Dwarka monitoring station recorded better air quality than the rest of Delhi in the ‘poor’ range with an AQI of 216. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 355 while Faridabad registered an AQI of 292.
The effect of long-term exposure to air pollution on health
As the impact of chronic exposure to air pollution raises concerns, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 11 invoked Grade III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the AQI spiked to 428. These pollution measures are being enforced across the National Capital Region (NCR).
It is important to note that an AQI between 201-300 “is considered poor”, between 301-400 is referred to as “very poor”, while AQI levels above 400 on a scale of 500 are considered severe,” according to the CPCB classification. CAQM attributed calm winds, stable atmosphere and adverse meteorological conditions as the key reasons for the sudden increase.
Long-term exposure to polluted air has far-reaching and long-term health consequences, experts warn. According to the State of Global Air 2025 report, India will see more than two million deaths related to toxic air in 2023. Experts describe the situation as a deepening environmental and human crisis, with PM2.5 concentrations in South Asia among the highest globally, increasing the risk of cancer.
The impact of high levels of pollution on health is much more than respiratory disease as it affects the body’s immunity. Dr. Discussing the health impact of toxic air, Rakesh K Chawla of Rohini’s Jaipur Golden Hospital said, “Delhi represents the sharp edge of India’s air pollution emergency,” PTI reported.
He further noted, “This is not just a seasonal nuisance; it’s a constant burden on the lungs that weakens immunity, worsens asthma and accelerates chronic lung disease. Clean air should be treated as a basic right, not a luxury dependent on weather or wind.”
What is prohibited and what is allowed in Delhi-NCR?
Under GRAP Stage 3 restrictions, construction and demolition activities are prohibited except for the suspension of industrial operations in those industries that use non-approved fuels. Apart from essential projects such as roads, railways and airports, all construction activities in the state capital are on hold.
Delhi-registered diesel medium-duty vehicles (MGVs) and non-Delhi-registered specific light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are not allowed to ply on the roads. In addition, persons transporting basic goods are exempt from tax. Schools up to class 5 in Delhi-NCR have switched to hybrid mode of teaching.
