Delhi air quality crisis intensifies: Chandni Chowk AQI touches 400 as toxic smog grips capital

The conditions for pollution are still severe in Delhi as although the authorities have issued their report on air quality index, the air quality index is still very poor. On Tuesday morning, 10th November 2026, the Central Pollution Control Board issued a report at 6:00 AM confirming the poor-air situation of the National Capital Region in India.

The report claimed that Chandni Chowk has the highest air quality index of 400 which comes in the severe category. Therefore, Pusa and Commonwealth Games Complex remain the hotspots.

With regards to air quality index in different localities, we are able to find that Chandni Chowk is at the top with 400, followed by Pusa at 398 and NSUT Jafarpur at 384.

There are various localities which witness very poor air quality. For example, Commonwalth Sports Complex registered 380, Siri Fort logged 375, Talkatora Garden hit 373 and Mathura Road registered 372.

Many other regions are also suffering from high level of air pollution. Burari Crossing recorded 364, IIT Delhi recorded 361, Ayanagar registered 360, Shadipur 325, Lodhi Road 324, and Bawana 328.

Some areas registered slightly less levels of pollution like Tikri Kalan (296) and Vasundhara Enclave (295). The PM2.5 level witnessed a spike of four times the national standard.

The city's average PM2.5 concentration stood at 257 micrograms per cubic meter ($\mu g/m^3$). This metric exceeds India's national 24-hour standard of $60 \mu g/m^3$ by more than four times and surpasses the World Health Organization (WHO) daily safety guideline of $15 \mu g/m^3$ by over 17 times.

Increase in pediatric respiratory clinics; advisories from doctors

Hospitals in the capital report a surge in admissions of children who are facing difficulty in breathing, coughing, and serious lung problems.

Pulmonologists recommend that vulnerable people such as older citizens, infants, and patients suffering from asthma and COPD adopt preventive measures immediately:

Reduce time outdoors: Avoid going out for morning strolls or exercises and do not spend time in crowded areas during intense smog.

Wear N95 masks: Always wear a properly fitted N95 mask whenever going outside is necessary.

Follow medication schedule: Take all the regular medications as prescribed and keep inhalers handy.

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