Even after the festive season is over, the air in northern India has once again become hazardous. Fresh data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), recorded on October 28, 2025, at 4 p.m. shows an alarming decrease in air quality over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan – a region home to more than 300 million people. 

Delhi's average AQI was 294 ("Poor"), with several monitoring stations approaching the "Very Poor" level. The situation is worse in the NCR suburbs, with Bahadurgarh (347), Rohtak (346), and Sonipat (343) in Haryana all reporting "Very Poor" levels due to PM2.5 pollution. In western Uttar Pradesh, the AQI at Greater Noida (296), Meerut (274), and Ghaziabad (238) showed a consistent decline in air quality. 

Punjab, which is frequently blamed for post-harvest stubble burning, had mild values in places such as Ludhiana (149) and Patiala (122), but Amritsar (211) exceeded the "Poor" level. Surprisingly, Rajasthan provided some relief, with "Moderate" AQI readings in most districts; however, Bhiwadi (256) and Dausa (227) were outliers. 

Experts blame the poisonous haze on a combination of crop residue burning, vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and sluggish meteorological conditions that trap tiny particulate matter near the surface. According to pulmonologists, long-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause or exacerbate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease, particularly in youngsters and the elderly. 

Authorities have launched the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. Measures include a prohibition on diesel generators, limitations on construction dust, and stricter car emission checks. Some states have used anti-smog cannons, water sprinklers, and mechanical sweepers in industrial and high-traffic areas. The Punjab and Haryana governments have also supplied paddy straw management machinery to help prevent stubble fire events. 

However, environmentalists point out that, while GRAP has slowed the rate of deterioration, its impact is still localised and transient. Satellite data show that, despite government incentives, more than 15% of paddy fields in Punjab and Haryana were still burnt last week. Furthermore, the lack of effective enforcement in smaller towns and industrial clusters has diluted the overall outcome. 

Public health specialists advise residents to take individual precautions, such as avoiding outdoor exercise during peak hours, wearing N95 masks, and enhancing indoor air quality with purifiers and ventilation. Given the long-term impact of fine particulate pollution, doctors recommend early screening for hypertension, respiratory problems, and cardiac risk factors. 

As Delhi and its neighbours brace for worsening air quality in the coming weeks, the message is plain: piecemeal initiatives are no longer sufficient to clear the air. A durable solution will necessitate cross-state responsibility, agricultural reform, and a move to clean energy, rather than just seasonal firefighting.