Delhi air pollution spike continues, experts warn as AQI crosses 350 in multiple zones

Winter is settling into the national capital, but pollution levels in Delhi show no signs of improving. On Tuesday morning, the air quality was recorded as extremely poor. The Air Qulaity Index (AQI) at Delhi's Vivek Vihar monitoring startion recorded 370, which falls in the 'very poor category' and is considered extremely dangerous for both the general population and those with suffering from asthma, heart problems and lung conditions.

Experts say that as the coldness in air increases, wind speeds decrease, preventing the dispersion of pollutants and keeping the smog layer close to the ground. This has made breathing difficult. However, the Pollution Control Board has advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear masks, and refrain from strenuous exercise in the morning and evening.

Despite the government's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the situation remains unimproved. People are hoping for rain or strong winds accompanied by cold air to reduce pollution levels.

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AQI levels

As per AQI standards,

0–50: 'good'

51–100: 'satisfactory'

101–200: 'moderate'

201–300: 'poor'

301–400: 'very poor'

401–500: 'severe'

AQI crosses 350 mark at several stations

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), many neighbourhoods reported alarming pollution levels early in the day. Here are some regions of Delhi-NCR which are facing very poor and severe AQI, people are advised to take precautions and follow government guidelines.

Delhi

• Bawana: 365
• Wazirpur: 367
• Jahangirpuri: 361
• Ashok Vihar: 355
• Anand Vihar: 356
• Chandni Chowk: 327
• Burari Crossing: 302
• ITO: 346
• Mundka: 362
• Pusa: 337
• CRRI Mathura Road: 302
• Alipur: 336
• RK Puram: 337
• Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range: 334
• Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 291

Noida

• Sector-125: 388
• Sector-62: 298
• Sector-116: 369
• Sector-1: 355

Ghaziabad

• Loni: 403
• Sanjay Nagar: 311
• Indirapuram: 324
• Vasundhara: 266

Despite years of campaigns, restrictions, and policy announcements, Delhi’s air pollution continues to hover at dangerous levels. Experts say the crisis has now become a perpetual and seemingly endless problem, largely because solutions remain unimplemented and responsibility is often shifted elsewhere.

Expert views on air pollution in Delhi

In an interview with Zee business, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Max Hospital says Delhi’s toxic air poses severe health threats and the situation is worsening each year.

“This has become a perpetual and endless issue. Neither authorities nor the public are taking concrete action, and no real solution is emerging,” he said.

Dr. Kumar warns that Delhi’s polluted air has now reached human carcinogen levels.

“These pollutants cause cancer. The risk of heart attacks rises by nearly 2.5 per cent, and cases of stroke and respiratory disease go up significantly during high-pollution days,” he explains.

He adds that the rapid rise in vehicles is making things worse:

“Every year, Delhi sees nearly a 15 per cent increase in two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Policies remain on paper; implementation simply doesn’t happen. Vehicles, stubble burning, and construction work continue to be the major contributors.”

Dr. Mohan Gorge, Ex Additional Director, DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee), said that the biggest issue is that Delhi has never truly accepted the problem as its own.

“We have never owned this issue. We always blame something else — another state, the weather, or external factors. Neither Delhi’s administration nor its people have taken full responsibility,” he says.

He emphasises that Delhi cannot solve this crisis alone.

“To understand the situation, you must look at the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain. We need air-shed–based management. Temporary measures like odd-even are not enough — long-term planning and public participation are essential,” he adds.

On vehicular pollution, Dr. George said that “Delhi’s roads are overcrowded with vehicles that continuously generate emissions. This responsibility is shared by both the government and citizens.”

He also mentioned that the “Farmers must be given practical alternatives to stubble burning; otherwise the problem will repeat every year.”

What Delhi Has Tried So Far: A look at key pollution-control milestones

• 1996: 1,300 polluting factories shut down
• 1998: CNG made mandatory for buses
• 2000: Leaded petrol banned across Delhi
• 2001: CO levels reduced by 14 per cent after expansion of CNG
• 2010: Delhi Metro expansion helps curb vehicle emissions
• 2016: Odd-Even scheme introduced
• 2019: NCAP launched — India’s first national clean-air programme
• 2021: Several new restrictions added under GRAP
• 2025: Ban on vehicles older than 15 years set to take effect