Air pollution in Delhi surged to a city-level Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 on Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026, as smog enveloped the capital. The deterioration follows the implementation of new vehicle restrictions intended to curb seasonal emissions across the National Capital Region.
AQI levels climb despite vehicle restrictions
The city-level AQI rose to 373 at 7 am from 331 on Tuesday, remaining in the “very poor” category, according to real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Data from the CPCB showed that 54 of the 59 reporting monitoring stations registered AQI levels above 300, while 21 locations crossed the 400 mark to enter the “severe” category. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 452, followed by Jahangirpuri at 450 and IIT Delhi at 446, Business Standard reported.
From 1 November 2026, vehicle entry into Delhi will be restricted under the revised GRAP rules. ✅ Allowed: BS-VI, CNG, electric and exempted vehicles, subject to applicable rules. ⛔ Restrictions apply to: * Vehicles below BS-VI standards * Vehicles without a valid PUCC *… pic.twitter.com/rTtsr35sXi
The deterioration has been observed across the National Capital Region (NCR). Bahadurgarh recorded an AQI of 373, matching Delhi’s city-level reading, while Gurugram stood at 322 and Noida at 310. In Haryana, Panchgaon recorded the highest AQI among 274 cities in the CPCB’s 7 am dataset at 385, Business Standard reported.
The rise in pollution comes despite a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards, a measure that took effect on November 1, 2026. ETV Bharat reported that Delhi’s average AQI increased by 116 points in four days after these restrictions were introduced, rising from 117 on October 31 to 377 on November 4.
Service Update In the wake of implementation of GRAP-II in the capital, Delhi Metro will be running 20 more trips from tomorrow on weekdays, thereby, increasing the total number of additional trips on its network by 40. This is to encourage more and more people to use public…
CAQM implements GRAP Stage II to control smog
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented several stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to manage the smog. On November 2, the CAQM imposed GRAP Stage II after Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 324, The Economic Times reported.
Under GRAP Stage II, authorities are required to intensify measures to control dust and vehicular emissions. These include daily water sprinkling and dust suppression before peak traffic hours, increasing machine deployment hours for road sweeping, and intensifying targeted pollution-control measures at identified hotspots.
To encourage a shift toward public transport, the NCRTC is introducing 20 additional trips on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor starting Wednesday, November 4. ANI reported that these services aim to reduce dependence on private vehicles as the region’s air quality reaches “very poor” levels.
Pollution sources and health impacts
While vehicular restrictions are a primary focus, other factors contribute to the seasonal smog. Jacob Koshy, science editor of The Hindu and author of The Nitrogen Bomb, noted that the sheer quantity of ammonia that is going into the atmosphere creates a base layer for other pollutants to react with,
Dawn reported.
According to data from India’s environment ministry, vehicles account for 23 per cent of Delhi’s winter pollution, while biomass burning, including farm stubble fires, contributes 20 per cent. Industry, including coal-fired power plants, contributes approximately 9 per cent, and secondary particles—formed when gases from vehicles, industry, and biomass burning react in the atmosphere—account for the largest share at 27 per cent, Dawn reported.
Diwali fireworks threaten to increase regional pollution levels
Experts suggest that local measures may be limited by the regional nature of the pollution. Parthaa Bosu, strategic adviser at the Environmental Defense Fund, stated, There are a lot of positive changes as far as planning is concerned, but when it comes to execution, we probably still stand at the same level,
BBC reported.
#WATCH | Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area around Nauroji Nagar Ring Road is 416, categorised as 'Severe', as per the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). (Visuals shot at 07:10 am) pic.twitter.com/1nZLAC9PA2
Pollution levels are expected to face further pressure ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, when firework displays add to the existing smog. While the Supreme Court has allowed the limited use of “green” firecrackers designed to reduce emissions, authorities note that restrictions are frequently ignored, Dawn reported.
Earlier coverage: CAQM Enforces Emergency Restrictions as Delhi Air Quality Plummets
More on Air Quality Index
#Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with the #AirQuality Index settling at 367, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Alipur recorded the worst air quality at 427, falling in the 'severe' category. #pollution…