Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Saturday that the city is experiencing severe pollution primarily due to rising PM10 emissions from construction activity, dusty roads and heavy traffic congestion. He added that the government has intensified efforts to identify air pollution hotspots across the capital.
Dust, Construction, and Traffic Drive Air Quality Decline
Sirsa noted that Delhi’s sanitation systems and road infrastructure require substantial improvement. “The major reason for Delhi’s pollution is PM10, which largely comes from construction sites, road dust and related factors. We have identified 62 hotspots where dust and traffic are the key contributors, and we are actively working on them,” he said.
Winter Aggravates Smog Formation
With winter setting in, accumulated dust is gradually turning into thick smog. According to Sirsa, Delhi is combating 10 major pollution sources, including stubble burning. However, he said that the impact of crop residue burning will decrease soon as the sowing season begins.
Border Regions Continue to Face Industrial Emissions
Sirsa also pointed out that emissions from industrial units relocated to neighbouring regions continue to affect Delhi’s border areas. The Delhi government, he said, is addressing these cross-border air pollution concerns as well.
AQI Enters ‘Severe’ Zone for the First Time This Season
On November 11, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘severe’ category, a level last seen in December 2024. Although the AQI slightly improved after three days, falling to the ‘very poor’ category, pollution levels remained dangerously high.
Toxic Haze Traps Delhi-NCR Residents
By Sunday, Delhi-NCR continued to breathe toxic air. Reports from official monitoring systems showed the city shrouded in a persistent haze with extremely poor dispersion conditions. The Air Quality Early Warning System (run jointly by IMD and IITM) reported that very low ventilation conditions were preventing pollutants from dispersing.
Several dashboards recorded AQI levels around 551, firmly placing the city in the “hazardous” category. Real-time AQI data showed PM₂.₅ levels at 260 µg/m³ and PM₁₀ at 345 µg/m³, far exceeding safe limits.
Serious Health Risks for All Residents
These readings pose serious health risks. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter can worsen lung and heart diseases, while even short-term exposure can trigger severe respiratory distress. Although the CPCB has not issued comparisons to “smoking 12 cigarettes a day,” the statement reflects the intensity of current air pollution levels.
Low Wind Speeds Prevent Pollutant Dispersion
The IMD-IITM system warned that Delhi’s ventilation index could fall below 6,000 m²/s, a level considered extremely unfavorable for dispersing pollutants. Wind speeds are also predicted to remain below 10 km/h, trapping emissions from vehicles, construction sites and possible regional sources near the surface.
Health Experts Issue Precautionary Advice
Experts now advise residents to limit outdoor activity, wear N95 masks, keep windows closed and use air purifiers when possible. They warn that hazardous AQI levels affect everyone—not just children, elderly people and those with chronic conditions.
Authorities Implement Policy Measures Under GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) continues coordinating with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to issue daily AQI updates and implement actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures include restrictions on construction activities, vehicular controls and dust-management steps.
Delhi Awaits Relief as Smog Persists
As the toxic smog thickens, Delhiites wait for relief—whether through improved wind conditions, rainfall or stronger policy interventions that address pollution at its roots. Until then, clean air remains out of reach for millions in the capital.