Delhi Air Pollution Turns Severe as AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas

Delhi faces severe air pollution as AQI readings cross 400 in several areas, raising health concerns across the capital.

By News National Editorial Team

Delhi Air Pollution Turns Severe as AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas

Delhi experienced another serious air pollution episode on November 13, with several monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index levels in the severe category.

The deteriorating air quality raised concerns about public health, outdoor activities and the effectiveness of pollution-control measures in India's national capital.

According to Central Pollution Control Board readings reported by Indian media, multiple areas recorded AQI levels above 400 during the morning.

The figures underline the continuing challenge of managing air pollution in one of the world's most densely populated urban regions.

AQI reaches severe category

Several monitoring locations reported extremely poor air quality on Friday morning.

According to readings published by Moneycontrol based on CPCB data:

• ITO recorded an AQI of 455 at 5:55 am.

• The area around AIIMS recorded 418 at 7:20 am.

• Akshardham recorded 414 at 5:25 am.

• Rajokri Border recorded 402 at 6:50 am.

• Dhaula Kuan recorded 128 at 6:30 am.

These readings demonstrate that pollution levels varied significantly across the city.

Under India's CPCB classification, an AQI between 401 and 500 is categorised as severe.

The severe category indicates a serious risk to health, including for people who may not have existing respiratory conditions.

Why air pollution is a major health concern

Air pollution contains a mixture of particles and gases that can affect human health.

Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is a major concern because these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Exposure to polluted air can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Children, older adults and people with asthma or existing heart and lung conditions can be especially vulnerable.

Long-term exposure has also been associated with increased risks of chronic respiratory disease and cardiovascular complications.

What contributes to Delhi's pollution?

Delhi's air pollution problem is influenced by several interacting sources.

Vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, road dust, waste burning and regional agricultural residue burning can contribute to pollution.

Weather conditions also influence how pollutants disperse.

During periods of low wind speed and atmospheric temperature inversion, pollutants can remain trapped close to the ground.

This can result in rapidly worsening air quality even when emissions remain relatively unchanged.

Impact on daily life

Severe pollution can affect schools, offices, transport operations and outdoor activities.

People may experience irritation of the eyes, coughing, breathing discomfort and worsening symptoms of existing respiratory conditions.

Outdoor workers can face prolonged exposure because their jobs require them to remain outside.

Health professionals generally advise people to reduce strenuous outdoor activity during severe pollution episodes and follow official health advisories.

What authorities need to address

Long-term improvements require coordinated action across transport, construction, industry, energy and waste management.

Potential measures include:

1. Improving public transport and reducing vehicle emissions.

2. Strengthening construction-dust monitoring.

3. Enforcing industrial pollution standards.

4. Preventing open waste burning.

5. Improving road-dust management.

6. Coordinating pollution-control efforts across neighbouring states.

7. Expanding reliable air-quality monitoring.

Short-term emergency measures may help reduce exposure, but lasting improvements require consistent implementation of pollution-control policies.

Conclusion

Delhi's severe air pollution readings on November 13 demonstrate that the capital continues to face a significant environmental and public-health challenge.

Reducing pollution will require coordinated action, stronger enforcement and long-term investment in cleaner transport, energy and urban infrastructure.

Sources and references

1. Moneycontrol – Delhi AQI readings on November 13, 2026, based on CPCB data.

2. The New Indian Express – Delhi's air quality turns hazardous as AQI touches 494.

3. The Indian Express – India news live updates, November 13, 2026.

4. Central Pollution Control Board – Official website.

Editorial note: AQI readings are time-specific and vary by monitoring station. These figures are morning readings, not a claim that every part of Delhi had the same AQI throughout the day.