Delhi's Air Quality Reaches 'Very Poor' Level for First Time This Winter
Delhi's air quality has fallen to the "very poor" category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 324 on November 2, 2026. This marks the first time this winter season that pollution levels have been so high, prompting authorities to implement Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR).
By The Junior Post
Published
Recommended for ages 10+. Editorial guidance, not a guarantee of individual suitability.
On November 2, 2026, Delhi's air quality was classified as "very poor" for the first time this winter season. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 324 by 4 PM, which is the highest level recorded in nine months. Earlier that day, at 9 AM, the AQI was 312.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines an AQI between 301 and 400 as "very poor." This level of pollution can cause respiratory illness if people are exposed to it for a long time. Readings above 400 are considered "severe."
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision was made based on current air quality and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which predicted that the air quality would likely stay in the "very poor" category for the next three days.
Delhi's pollution levels increased sharply over two days. On October 31, the AQI was 117, considered "moderate." It then rose to 261, or "poor," on November 1, before entering the "very poor" category on November 2. Some areas, like Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Punjabi Bagh, even reported "severe" pollution levels, with AQIs of 436, 415, and 413 respectively, at 4 PM on November 2.
Knowledge Vault
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used by government agencies to tell the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. As the AQI increases, a larger percentage of the population is likely to experience adverse health effects. Different ranges of AQI numbers correspond to different levels of air quality, such as 'moderate,' 'poor,' 'very poor,' and 'severe.'
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) to combat air pollution. It has different stages, with each stage involving specific actions to be taken when air quality deteriorates to certain levels. For example, Stage 2 is invoked when the air quality reaches the 'very poor' category.
Check your understanding
- What does an Air Quality Index (AQI) between 301 and 400 mean, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
- The air quality is 'moderate' and generally safe.
- The air quality is 'poor' and might affect sensitive people.
- The air quality is 'very poor' and can cause respiratory illness with prolonged exposure.
- The air quality is 'severe' and is dangerous for everyone.
- Which organization is responsible for deciding when to implement Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR?
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- How did Delhi's air quality change in the days leading up to November 2, 2026?
- It remained consistently 'moderate' for several days.
- It improved from 'poor' to 'moderate'.
- It sharply increased from 'moderate' to 'poor' and then to 'very poor'.
- It went directly from 'moderate' to 'severe' without passing through 'poor' or 'very poor'.