Delhi air stays 'very poor' for a second day: average AQI 330, eight stations over 400

A thick layer of smog enveloped India's capital on Tuesday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 330 at 8 a.m. on Nov. 3, in the 'very poor' category, for a second consecutive day after a morning reading of 324 on Monday that kept climbing. (Photo: file photo of Delhi smog, not taken on Nov. 3.)

Eight stations 'severe'; Jahangirpuri worst at 451

Eight monitoring stations recorded readings above 400, in the 'severe' band. Jahangirpuri was the most polluted location for a second day at 451, followed by Rohini at 431, Punjabi Bagh at 424, Alipur at 415, Anand Vihar at 411, Delhi Technological University and Bawana at 409 each, and Narela at 408. Smog also blanketed neighbouring Noida and Gurugram.

Stage 2 curbs in force; green crackers limited for Diwali

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Nov. 2, stepping up dust controls and promoting public transport. The winter action plan in force since Nov. 1 bars vehicles below BS-VI emission standards from the capital, mostly suspends construction, and applies a 'No PUCC, No Fuel' rule. With Diwali on Nov. 8, the Supreme Court has allowed certified green firecrackers only during specified hours on Nov. 7 and 8, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; North Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Niharika Bhatt said sales are permitted only on Nov. 4 to 6, only for QR-coded certified products, and the full ban resumes from Nov. 9. The central government's early warning system expects air quality to remain 'very poor' for the next two days. Sources: Central Pollution Control Board data via New Kerala and The Daily Jagran, Nov. 3, 2026; North Delhi police briefing; CAQM measures.