Delhi AQI crosses 500 as pollution levels worsen in NCR
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts air quality could deteriorate into the Very Poor category by November 4.
Air pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have risen, with real-time readings from AQI.in showing the index peaked at 512 shortly after midnight on November 2. According to India Today, Delhi's AQI was 386 at 11:01 am that day, placing it in the 'Severe' category.
In neighbouring Noida, the AQI was recorded at 409 at 11:01 am, which the platform classified as 'Hazardous'. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's average AQI was 261 on November 1, falling in the 'Poor' category.
Pollution sources include stubble-burning in Punjab and Haryana, transport emissions, and festival-related activity. The government's Decision Support System stated farm fires contributed approximately 18.57 per cent of Delhi's pollution on November 1, up from 5.33 per cent the previous day.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued orders for government and private offices in Delhi and six NCR districts to operate with only 50 per cent of staff physically present between November 5 and 20. The remaining employees are to work from home.
Additional measures include restrictions on dust-generating construction and demolition activities, alongside curbs on non-BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi since November 1. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts conditions may remain between 'Poor' and 'Very Poor' over the subsequent six days after November 4.