Air Pollution Levels in Delhi Reach ‘Severe’ Category; AQI Hits 403

New Delhi, November 13, 2026: Air pollution in Delhi saw a sharp spike on Friday morning, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ category. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed the 400 mark, raising concerns regarding public health. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 403 as of 9:00 AM on November 13.

The rising air pollution has affected several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) as well as neighboring cities in North India. In Ballabgarh, Haryana, pollution levels were also recorded in the ‘severe’ category, while cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad continue to experience ‘very poor’ air quality.

Delhi’s Air Quality Continues to Deteriorate

Pollution data from the past few days indicates a significant decline in Delhi’s air quality. According to the daily report from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average AQI was 350 at 4:00 PM on Thursday—a level classified as ‘very poor.’

A day prior, the AQI stood at 313, confirming a consistent rise in pollution levels. The AQI is a key indicator used to measure the level of pollution in the air; a higher AQI signifies poorer air quality and an increased risk to health. According to the central government’s ‘Air Quality Early Warning System’ for Delhi, air quality in the city was expected to remain in the ‘severe’ category through Friday night. This situation has raised concerns among the residents of Delhi. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or other underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of this pollution.

Rising Pollution Levels Across Cities in the NCR

The problem of air pollution has become critical not only in Delhi but also in several neighboring cities within the National Capital Region (NCR).On Friday morning, air quality in Ballabgarh, Haryana, was recorded in the ‘severe’ category. Meanwhile, in cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, the air quality fell into the ‘very poor’ category. The simultaneous spike in pollution across multiple cities in the Delhi-NCR region highlights the severity of the seasonal air pollution crisis in North India.

Why Does Air Pollution Increase During Winter?

Every year, during the winter season, air pollution levels rise across Delhi-NCR and large parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. This is driven by a combination of natural climatic changes and human-induced pollution. In winter, wind speeds decrease, and temperatures drop. Under these meteorological conditions, pollutant particles cannot disperse easily; instead, they remain trapped near the ground, intensifying the pollution.

During October and November, the burning of crop residue—a practice followed by farmers in neighboring states—contributes significantly to pollution. The resulting smoke and particulate matter drift into the air, reaching Delhi and its surrounding areas.

The bursting of firecrackers during festivals further exacerbates air pollution. Additionally, vehicular emissions, dust from construction sites, and road dust further degrade the air quality, which is already heavily polluted. The combined effect of all these factors leads to a significant rise in pollution levels during the winter.

 Health Risks Due to 'Severe' AQI

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), when air quality reaches the 'severe' category, it can affect even healthy individuals. Furthermore, those with pre-existing respiratory or other health conditions may face serious consequences.

Breathing in highly polluted air increases health risks. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, in particular, need to exercise greater caution. Young children and the elderly may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality.

With Delhi's AQI reaching 403, the critical state of pollution in the city has once again come to the fore. Consequently, air quality has emerged as a major public health concern.

Delhi Government's Stance on Pollution Control Measures

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasized the importance of implementing advanced and effective measures to curb air pollution in the capital.

Addressing the issue, she underscored the need for sustained efforts to control pollution and improve the city's environmental conditions.

Reducing air pollution requires coordinated action at various levels and long-term planning. Key steps to improve air quality include controlling vehicular emissions, mitigating dust from construction sites, curbing the burning of crop residues, and addressing other sources of pollution.

The Recurring Challenge of Winter Pollution in Delhi

Recent pollution data has once again highlighted the gravity of the air pollution problem that Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) face every winter. On Friday morning, the AQI reached 403, placing Delhi in the ‘severe’ pollution category. The central government’s early warning system had also indicated that this situation was likely to persist until Friday night.