The capital and its surrounding NCR cities have once again become a toxic zone, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing "Very Poor" and "Severe" levels in most regions. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 PM on October 30 placed Delhi at 373 (Very Poor), while Rohtak (426) and Dharuhera (406) slipped into the ‘Severe’ category.

Across the NCR belt, Ghaziabad (364), Noida (372), Greater Noida (330), Bhiwadi (360), Sonipat (330), Jind (347), Bahadurgarh (344), and Ballabgarh (320) reported "very Poor’ air quality. Only Faridabad showed a relatively better index at 166, still under the “Moderate” bracket but inching upward.

The CPCB’s health bulletin warns that “Very Poor” air can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure, while “Severe” conditions impact even healthy individuals and worsen symptoms among those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease.

Doctors across Delhi’s government hospitals have already reported a surge in emergency visits for cough, breathlessness, and wheezing — particularly among children and the elderly.

Paediatric pulmonologists at AIIMS noted that outpatient cases have risen by nearly 25% since Diwali week, with many young patients needing nebulisation. Hospitals in Noida and Gurugram echoed similar concerns, linking the spike to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — the dominant pollutant in all NCR readings this week.

While the NCR gasps, nearby cities such as Lucknow (76), Patna (70), and Jaipur (158) reported air in the “Satisfactory” to “Moderate” range, underscoring a distinct urban pollution gradient. Environmental experts attribute Delhi’s worsening AQI to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, uncontrolled construction dust, vehicular congestion, and northwesterly wind patterns that trap pollutants in the region’s lower atmosphere.

Authorities have triggered Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restricting construction activity, banning diesel generators, and advising schools to limit outdoor sports. Yet, the recurring pattern of toxic winters shows little structural change.

Experts argue that short-term curbs are “symbolic firefighting”, calling for deeper reforms in public transport, waste management, and crop residue recycling to reduce year-on-year spikes.

Health authorities have advised residents to wear N95 masks, use air purifiers indoors, avoid early morning walks, and increase greenery around homes. But long-term relief, experts agree, lies only in consistent policy enforcement and behavioural change across the NCR states.