Delhi air quality worsens as many areas hit severe pollution levels
The capital's overall air quality index reached 391 on Friday morning, with several locations recording severe pollution.
Delhi's air quality deteriorated on Friday, November 6, 2026, with the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 391 in the very poor category, according to The Hindu. While the city-wide average remained very poor, multiple areas experienced severe pollution levels.
According to official data, several parts of the capital, including IIT Delhi, ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana, and Jahangirpuri, recorded severe air pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that severe pollution affects healthy individuals and can seriously impact those with existing medical conditions.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that the city's air quality is likely to remain in the severe category for three days. Other north Indian cities, including Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, also reported very poor air quality on Friday morning.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday that the Centre's air quality panel is monitoring meteorological conditions like wind speed and direction. He noted that approximately 40 per cent of paddy stubble has been utilised through ex-situ management this year.
The deterioration occurs as winter approaches, a period when pollution typically spikes due to lower wind speeds, dropping temperatures, stubble burning, and festive firecrackers. Despite efforts to manage stubble, air quality continues to decline.