Delhi's air quality remains critically poor, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 413 on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2025. This marks the second consecutive day that the AQI has fallen into the 'severe' category, prompting the implementation of Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), multiple monitoring stations reported alarming AQI levels, with Wazirpur registering the highest at 459. Other areas such as Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk reported AQIs of 438 and 449, respectively. The overall situation indicates that nearly all monitoring stations in Delhi are experiencing severe air quality, with only a few stations recording slightly lower but still unhealthy levels.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that schools up to Class 5 will shift to a hybrid mode of learning, combining online and in-person classes. This decision aims to reduce children's exposure to harmful air pollution.

The CAQM invoked Stage III of GRAP after observing a significant rise in AQI levels, which surged from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday. Factors contributing to this spike include calm winds and unfavourable weather conditions. Under Stage III, construction and demolition activities are banned, except for essential projects, and industries using unapproved fuels must cease operations. Additionally, mechanical road cleaning and dust suppression measures will be intensified.

The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401-500 is 'severe'. The current air quality poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, and is expected to improve slightly to the 'very poor' category later in the day.