Delhi Smog Alert: AQI soars, experts warn of health risks

Delhi woke up to very poor air quality on November 18, 2025, with the AQI reaching 344. Four monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ pollution. NCR cities including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Meerut, Noida, and Ghaziabad also recorded dangerously high AQI levels.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 18 November 2025, 11:40 AM IST

NCR Cities Struggle as Air Quality Plunges

New Delhi: Delhiites woke up to 'very poor' air quality on Tuesday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's AQI reached 344, and four monitoring stations were in the 'severe' pollution category.

Bawana (426), Wazirpur (412), Jahangirpuri (418), and Vivek Vihar (402) were placed in the 'severe' pollution category. These figures were recorded at a total of 37 monitoring stations.

According to the CPCB, an AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Delhi Chokes Again: AQI in ‘Very Poor’ zone; No relief before 19 Nov

Weather and Temperature Information

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.6 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius.

The opposition in Delhi alleges that the government is spraying water only around AQI monitoring stations to conceal pollution data.

Impact of Pollution in NCR

Air quality in other NCR cities is also at dangerous levels.

Gurgaon – 411

Faridabad – 443

Meerut – 443

Ghaziabad – 554

Greater Noida – 558

Noida – 469

Other areas of Delhi with the highest AQI are as follows:

Bawana – 419

Jahangirpuri – 414

Wazirpur – 410

Vivek Vihar – 396

Narela – 387

Rohini – 384

Anand Vihar – 382

Nehru Nagar – 381

Ashok Vihar – 381

Health Warning

According to the Meteorological Department, there is no possibility of rain in the coming days, making the AQI unlikely to improve. Experts recommend:

• Avoid going out, and wear an N95 mask whenever you do go out.
• Exercise indoors.
• Use air purifiers in your home and car, and clean HEPA filters regularly.
• Pollution and allergies can increase during winter, so be especially careful about cleanliness.

Experts say that pollution increases during the winter season, and it is crucial to take appropriate safety measures indoors. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should exercise special caution.

Delhi-NCR chokes under severe pollution; AQI crosses 400 in multiple areas

What To Eat?

People should pay special attention to their diet during high AQI, as polluted air can increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as oranges, lemons, strawberries, spinach, and broccoli, is beneficial. Additionally, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax seeds, walnuts, and fish, help reduce inflammation. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also important to flush out toxins. Heavy, fried, and processed foods should be avoided.