Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’ for Second Consecutive Day

IN NEWS: Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’ for Second Consecutive Day

Analysis (UPSC Relevance)

• Context: The air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day on November 12, 2025, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III continues to be in force across Delhi-NCR.
• Current Situation:
  • Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 418 (Severe), slightly lower than 428 (Severe) recorded the previous day.
  • CPCB’s Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that the AQI is likely to improve to the ‘very poor’ category by November 13–15, 2025.
• Health Impact:
  • AQI in the severe range affects even healthy individuals and poses serious health risks for those with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.
• Wider Regional Impact:
  • Several other cities in North India also recorded ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality levels, indicating a regional air pollution crisis across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
• Probable Causes:
  • Seasonal meteorological conditions such as low wind speed and temperature drop.
  • Stubble burning during October–November in neighbouring states.
  • Firecracker burning around the festive season further aggravates pollution levels.

Static & Conceptual Part

• Air Quality Index (AQI) Classification (as per CPCB):
  • 0–50: Good
  • 51–100: Satisfactory
  • 101–200: Moderate
  • 201–300: Poor
  • 301–400: Very Poor
  • 401–500: Severe
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
  • Launched in 2017 to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
  • Divided into four stages based on AQI levels:
    • Stage I: Poor (AQI 201–300)
    • Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301–400)
    • Stage III: Severe (AQI 401–450)
    • Stage IV: Severe+ (AQI >450)
  • Under Stage III, measures include bans on construction, industrial restrictions, and use of anti-smog guns.

Updated – 12 Nov 2025 ;  10:30 PM| News Source: The Hindu