Delhi-NCR AQI Level Today: Toxic Delhi air equal to ‘smoking 11 cigarettes’, no respite in sight

Delhi-NCR AQI Level Today, November 21, 2025: Delhi’s air quality has plunged to hazardous levels, with AQI readings crossing 450 and PM2.5 nearly 20 times above WHO limits. NCR cities fare even worse as authorities enforce GRAP-3; experts urge strict precautions and limited outdoor exposure. Check the latest air quality index and pollution level updates.

Vehicles ply under dense smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches severe category at Punjabi Bagh, in New Delhi on Thursday (Photo: PTI).

The air pollution in Delhi is only increasing by the day and there is no respite in sight. After a failed cloud seeding experiment to bring artificial rain, which cost the government crores, the situation has become dire. The air quality index in Delhi at 7 AM on Friday was an alarming 455, according to air quality tracker aqi.in. This is equivalent to smoking nearly 11 cigarettes a day.

Delhi AQI Today: Delhiites are now breathing air equivalent to smoking between 10 and 15 cigarettes a day (Source: aqi.in).

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The Delhi AQI, according to the Early Warning System for Delhi, was 373 at 5:30 AM. The AQI at 5 AM was 433, as per aqi.in. The disparity in figures are due to the various parameters considered by the two bodies, the number of AQI monitoring stations and devices, as well as the areas being monitored.

The PM 2.5 pollutant level was around 280 μg/m³ and the PM 10 pollutant level was 370 μg/m³. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the PM 2.5 exposure in 24 hours must not exceed a maximum of 15 μg/m³, and PM 10 exposure must be limited to 45 μg/m³.

Delhi AQI Today: The PM 2.5 level was 279 at 7:04 AM (Source: aqi.in)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed the Graded Response Action Plan Stage-III (GRAP-3) due to the high pollution. It is imposed when the AQI is in or threatens to rise in the range of 401-450.

Delhi AQI Today: The PM 10 level was 370 at 7:04 am on Friday (Source: aqi.in).

Delhi AQI Today: PM 10 level is alarming in Delhi (Source: aqi.in).

AQI in NCR

The AQI in several major NCR cities were far worse than that in Delhi. While Faridabad recorded an AQI of 570 at 7:34 AM, in Gurgaon, the figure was 417. Noida and Greater Noida recorded whopping AQI figures of 514 and 458, respectively at 7:50 AM. Ghaziabad’s AQI was far higher at 543 at the same time.

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Health advisory

Citizens should avoid stepping outdoors unless absolutely necessary. If stepping out, an N-95 mask must be worn. Outdoor exercises, such as jogging, running, and yoga, should be avoided.

If you have an air filter at home or in your car use them optimally. In case of any respiratory trouble, visit the doctor immediately.

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