Air pollution rises, AQI in ‘severe’: CAQM shifts Stage IV GRAP measures to Stage III — Check latest updates inside

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi-NCR continued to remain in 'very poor' to 'severe' range on Monday as the thick layer of smog covered the national capital.

New GRAP Alignment: Stage-wise shifts to ensure quicker and stronger pollution mitigation

On November 24, 2025, The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) amended its air quality management plan (GRAP) schedule and made it more stringent to avoid the further deterioration of Delhi-NCR’s air quality.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

The measures which were taken under GRAP Stage II to be taken under GRAP Stage I like :

• It may motivate companies to ensure 24/7 power supply to dissuade frequent usage of Standby Power Generating units like Diesel-Generator sets, etc.
• Traffic signals are synchronized and adequate personnel are deployed at junctions/congestion points so that traffic can flow smoothly.
• Alert in newspapers / TV / radio to advise people about air pollution levels and Do’s and Don’ts for minimizing polluting activities.
• Add to the public transport services via the use of CNG/ electric buses and metro services through the addition of more vehicles and the increase in service frequency. Introduce different rates in order to promote off-peak travel.

GRAP Stage III to be taken under GRAP Stage II like:

• GNCTD and NCR State Governments to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
• State Governments may take a decision to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies in other areas of NCR.
• Central Government may take a decision on staggering of timings of Central Government offices in Delhi – NCR.

GRAP Stage IV to be take under GRAP Stage III

NCR State Governments / GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength and the rest to work from home

Central Government may take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in central government offices.

AQI crosses 400 at several stations

Many key locations continued to record hazardous air quality. According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), here are some areas along with their AQI levels:

Delhi

• Jahangirpuri: 446
• ITO: 446
• Wazirpur: 444
• Anand Vihar: 432
• Mundka: 430
• Ashok Vihar: 428
• Bawana: 424
• Chandni Chowk: 424
• Alipur: 409
• RK Puram: 399
• Pusa: 394
• Burari Crossing: 379
• CRRI Mathura Road: 365
• Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range: 372
• Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 347

Noida

• Sector-125: 421
• Sector-62: 401
• Sector-116: 396
• Sector-1: 399

Ghaziabad

Loni: 440

Sanjay Nagar: 399

Indirapuram: 449

Vasundhara: 428

Weather forecast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in Delhi-NCR are expected to decline gradually over the next few days.

In Delhi, Safdarjung, the maximum temperature is likely to rise from around 25 degree Celsius on November 24, to 26 degree Celsius from November 24 to 30, while the minimum temperature may rise from 9-10 degrees Celsius.

Whereas in Noida the maximum temperature may fall from 26 degree Celsius on November 24 to 24 degree Celsius on November 30, while the minimum temperature remains constant at 11 degree Celsius.