The national capital woke up to another day of toxic air on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe’ category for the second straight day. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 414 at 9 a.m., marking one of the worst readings of the season.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III measures, which were imposed across Delhi and the NCR on Tuesday, continue to remain in effect as authorities scramble to contain the pollution crisis.
Wazirpur Records Worst Air Quality
Among all monitoring locations, Wazirpur reported the highest AQI level at 459, putting it firmly in the ‘severe’ range. In contrast, the NSIT Dwarka station recorded an AQI of 215, categorised as ‘poor’, offering a rare pocket of comparatively better air.
GRAP Stage III Restrictions in Force
The Stage III curbs under GRAP include an immediate ban on construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR, along with restrictions on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
State governments in the NCR have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of these measures. Earlier restrictions imposed under Stage I and II of GRAP also continue to remain in place.
Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has advised schools to shift classes up to Grade 5 to a hybrid mode to protect young children from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.
Health Impact and Forecast
As per CPCB guidelines, a ‘severe’ AQI level poses health risks even to healthy individuals and can cause serious complications for those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Officials have indicated that the air quality could see slight improvement and slip into the ‘very poor’ category later in the day if weather conditions turn favorable.
For reference, according to the CPCB:
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0–50: Good
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51–100: Satisfactory
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101–200: Moderate
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201–300: Poor
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301–400: Very Poor
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401–500: Severe
With Delhi’s pollution once again crossing critical limits, experts have urged residents to avoid outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and run air purifiers indoors to minimize health risks.