Air quality in Delhi-NCR further deteriorates, with AQI exceeding 450 in Wazirpur, Noida

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index in most areas of Delhi was recorded in the very poor category at 7 am. People are experiencing difficulty breathing and are forced to wear masks. Locals have demanded the government find a permanent solution and take serious action to protect the environment. Also Read: Delhi NCR is suffocating; even GRAP-3 restrictions are ineffective... AQI exceeds 400 in many areas

Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continue to remain in the dangerous category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index in most areas of Delhi was recorded in the very poor category at 7 am. At least 20 monitoring stations recorded the AQI in the severe category, with several areas exceeding 450. Wazirpur was the most polluted area in Delhi, with an AQI of 477. Additionally, the air quality in Jahangirpuri was 451, Rohini 449, Mundka 446, Ashok Vihar 444, Punjabi Bagh 439, Vivek Vihar 436, Nehru Nagar (Lajpat Nagar) 431, RK Puram 423, Anand Vihar 420, Chandni Chowk 418, North Campus 416, Siri Fort 412, Dwarka 411, Sonia Vihar 410, ITO 400, and India Gate area 400, all of which fall under the severe category.

Noida and Ghaziabad also in a bad state

Air quality in Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh also remained in the severe category. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 430 on Thursday morning, while Noida recorded 408.

#WATCH | Delhi: A person says, "...There is so much pollution that we are having breathing problems. We have to wear a mask, and the AQI is also very high... We are avoiding going outside..." https://t.co/b4WdmmBgFs pic.twitter.com/c1Y3OePGT3

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2025

Breathing Difficulty

A man taking a morning walk near India Gate said, "There's so much pollution that it's difficult to breathe. I have to wear a mask, and the AQI is also very high... I've reduced going out at all now."

Pollution Must Be a Permanent Solution

Another Delhi resident expressed anger and frustration, "This pollution has been going on for the last 10-15 years. There is no permanent solution. Unless the government takes a serious stance, nothing will happen. Set a target of planting at least 20 million trees in Delhi every year. Stubble burning has been going on for thousands of years, but this is the situation in Delhi year-round. Find a permanent solution. We created this pollution, we are responsible. Running away from responsibility won't help. Work seriously, save the environment."

Also Read: Orange Alert Issued for 7 TN Districts as Bay of Bengal System Strengthens

Situation could worsen further

According to the Meteorological Department, the wind speed will remain very low for the next 48 hours, which is likely to make the smog even denser. The restrictions already in place under GRAP-4 continue, but no new restrictions or relief have been announced so far.