Delhi Gasps as AQI Worsens, Stubble Burning Contribution Climbs to 16.2%

Delhi's AQI climbed to 377 early this morning as stubble burning contributed 16.2% to pollution. With farm fires rising, forecasts warn of severe air quality in the capital from Friday.

Post Published By: DN Bureau

Updated : 5 November 2026, 8:19 AM IST

Delhi's air pollution crisis intensified on Thursday (Img: Pinterest)

New Delhi: According to AQI.in, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged to 554, indicating extremely hazardous air conditions and highlighting the worsening pollution crisis across the Delhi , bringing the national capital closer to the severe category. A sharp increase in pollution linked to agricultural fires in neighbouring states has added to the city's deteriorating air quality, raising concerns over the days ahead.

Farm Fires Emerge as a Major Pollution Contributor

According to pollution assessment data, stubble burning accounted for 16.2% of Delhi's pollution on Wednesday, nearly double Tuesday's contribution of 8.2%. External sources were responsible for 69% of the city's overall pollution, while local emissions contributed the remaining 31%.

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The AQI stood at 377 at 4 pm, compared with 350 recorded at the same time a day earlier. Forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicate that pollution levels could enter the severe category by Friday.

The Decision Support System has projected that the contribution of farm fires could rise further to 20%, potentially exceeding vehicular emissions.

Several Delhi Areas Record Severe Air Quality

Multiple monitoring stations across the capital reported severe pollution levels despite restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II).

IIT Delhi recorded an AQI of 455, followed by Jahangirpuri at 449 and Punjabi Bagh at 446. Mundka, Vivek Vihar, DTU and Rohini were also among the affected locations.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to district commissioners and senior police officials in five Punjab districts over stubble burning incidents.

Severe Conditions Likely to Continue

IITM's Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast very poor air quality on Thursday, followed by nearly six days of severe conditions from Friday.

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Environmental experts have pointed to rising farm fires, transport emissions and unfavourable weather conditions as contributing factors. With pollution accumulating over the city, Delhi faces another challenging spell of hazardous winter air.