Delhi’s air quality remained ‘very poor’ on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 380, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The visuals from the ITO area as shared by the news agency ANI show a thick layer of toxic smog enveloping the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area has surged to 384, falling under the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the ITO area as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 384, categorised as ‘Very Poor’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/4wCKo5KNcp
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
In view of the rising pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) NCR and Adjoining Areas on Saturday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the entire NCR, directed to impose the measures for the ‘Severe’ AQI category under GRAP Stage IV to be taken under GRAP Stage III, a press release said.
Schools, colleges to postpone physical sports events due to poor air quality
Moreover, the Delhi government on Friday has directed all schools, colleges, universities and sports bodies in the capital to postpone physical sports competitions scheduled for November and December due to the deteriorating air quality. According to the news agency PTI, the order follows directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which mandated that the NCR state governments and the Delhi administration must take immediate steps to defer such events, considering the high levels of air pollution in the area.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Directorate of Education and Sports emphasised that all institutions under the Delhi government, including government, aided and private schools, as well as those run by the MCD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board, must strictly comply with CAQM’s advisory. Universities, colleges and sports associations recognised by national federations and the Union sports ministry have also been asked to follow the order, the order said, adding that the directive will remain in force until further notice.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
Why Diesel autos have been prohibited in Noida, Ghaziabad?
Diesel autorickshaws are now banned in Noida and Ghaziabad after the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a phased ban on them across the UP cluster of the National Capital Region (NCR) in a move to curb vehicular emissions, officials said on Saturday.
A comprehensive action plan is being rolled out to tackle rising air pollution in districts that are included in the NCR. Baghpat will also enforce a full ban after December 31, 2025. Road dust has been identified as a primary contributor to pollution in the region, with the action plan focusing on road redevelopment, intensified dust suppression and large-scale cleanliness drives, according to a state government release.
Diesel autorickshaws will be completely banned with immediate effect in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts. The Meerut Regional Transport Authority has already stopped issuing and renewing permits for the restricted vehicles.
