Image Credit: Freepik
India is going through one of the most hazardous periods of the year for air quality. As a chilling November begins, smog has been the major villain in the cities in northern India for the last few days. The national capital’s air quality has deteriorated to a dangerous level.
According to reports by Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI of 413 was reported on the 12th of November 2025, which is the most severe episode after December 2024, when the values went up to 451. In case you live in or are visiting cities like Delhi, Noida, or Ghaziabad, it is the right moment to understand the impact of these figures on your health and carry out the protective measures accordingly.
At first, one might find the Air Quality Index complex and perplexing; however, it essentially serves as a tool to quantify the level of pollution in the area around you. You can view it as a range from 0 to 500 or even higher. A lower value reflects cleaner air.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) explains air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI):
0–50: Air is clean and good.
51–100: Air is okay and safe for everyone.
101–200: Air is moderate; safe for most, but people with breathing problems should be careful.
201–300: Air is bad and can cause health issues.
301–400: The Air is very bad and unsafe to breathe.
Beyond 400, the Index is at the level of the most severe or hazardous category, where even healthy people may experience symptoms.
At present, in November 2025, the majority of air quality monitoring stations in Delhi and the National Capital Region are recording very serious levels of pollution. On November 12, there were 31 monitoring stations out of 39 in Delhi where pollution was recorded at the ‘severe’ level. Some places have gone beyond the limit, like Mundka, where 464 was recorded, while Wazirpur reached an alarming 458.
The average yearly AQI for Delhi in 2025 is 148, which, from a technical point of view, is showing a 9.9% improvement as compared to the last year. But, this doesn’t really tell the whole story. For the most part, the winter months—from October through February—are when pollution becomes a real crisis. Thus, during these months, air quality index values are very often well in excess of 700, and the explanations for this are quite simple.
One major cause of pollution is stubble burning. After harvesting, farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn the leftover crop remains, and the smoke travels to Delhi and nearby areas. Research from January 2025 shows that during the peak season, this burning alone causes over 45% of the total pollution.
Besides that, there is the vehicular pollution that comes from the millions of cars, buses, and trucks that are the city’s daily commuters. Particularly bad are older vehicles—they are among the reasons why the Delhi government declared on March 1, 2025, that fuel stations would stop supplying fuel to vehicles older than 15 years.
A lot of dust from construction and the release of pollutants by factories, the burning of wood and coal for heating, and even the bursting of crackers during festive seasons like Diwali are some of the other factors that add up to the problem.
The truth is that winter weather alone is the real problem. This is mainly because cold air is denser and heavier. It is not that easy for the air to go up, so if you put together low wind speeds and temperature inversion (a weather phenomenon in which warm air is above and cold air is below), pollutants get stuck very close to the ground, which is the air you breathe.
This is not only about coughing or itchy eyes. Consistent inhaling of severely polluted air for a long time can cause lung damage.
Polluted air contains tiny particles called PM2.5 and PM10, made up of dust, smoke, and chemicals. These particles are so small that they can enter deep into the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, where they can damage different organs in the body. Your respiratory system is the one that gets damaged first. You can get sore throat, an irritating cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath symptoms. Asthma and chronic bronchitis patients can face very difficult health consequences. The number of asthma attacks increases, as well as their severity.
This is not it. According to the World Health Organisation and Health Effects Institute, air pollution is one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases, as it raises blood pressure and leads to heart attacks and strokes. It gradually weakens the lungs as well. The unfortunate truth: 2.2 million children in Delhi have had their lungs severely damaged due to air pollution. This is what the cost of living in polluted air is like.
As for short-term effects, at high AQI levels, even healthy individuals may become symptomatic. You may feel tired, your eyes may sting, and your throat may be painful. Headaches are also typical. The capacity to do exercise or any other intense physical activity gets greatly diminished. In November 2025, hospitals across Delhi had a surge of patients experiencing coughing, wheezing, and eye irritation complaints, which coincided with pollution levels increasing.
You can’t take the dirt out of the air around you, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have ways to tone down your exposure and to put a cap on the harm done.
Wear the right mask: Always use an N95 or KN95 mask, not a cloth one. These masks can block up to 95% of harmful particles when worn properly. Pollution is usually worst between 6 to 10 in the morning and 5 to 9 in the evening, so try to stay indoors during those hours. If you must go out, make sure your mask fits well and covers your nose and mouth completely.
Run an air purifier at home: If you are in a position to buy one, then it is definitely worth the money. By using HEPA filters, the air purifier will be able to provide you with clean air, thus significantly improving the air quality in your home. Be certain that you don’t open the windows and doors on days when the pollution is heavy. Keep your air fresh by vacuum cleaning on a regular basis. Don’t allow any incense, room fresheners or indoor smoking in your house.
Before going outside, have a look at the AQI: There are many sources from which you can get real-time data. In case pollution levels are above 400, you should avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. If it is in the range of 300-400, the use of masks is mandatory whenever you leave the house.
Change your lifestyle in accordance with the new situation: If your employer is kind enough to allow you, telecommute. Using public transport or carpooling helps cut overall emissions and lowers your own exposure to pollution. Don’t do heavy work or practice sports outside during the smog season.
Take care of you body: Try to have nutritious foods that are rich in antioxidants. Always provide your body with a good amount of water. Green tea is your friend in such cases because it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Besides, you should also give up smoking and eating junk food. Keep your respiratory system clean by doing steam inhalation 2-3 times a week. If you have asthma or a heart condition, keep your medications handy and easily accessible.
The Delhi government has put into effect GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 3, meaning the second-highest warning level. As a result, construction is banned, schools up to Class V are in hybrid mode, and older vehicles face restrictions. On severe pollution days, non-compliant petrol and diesel vehicles are barred from operating.
However, the implementation of the rules has been quite varied. During Diwali, the Supreme Court allowed “green” firecrackers for a limited time. However, reports showed poor enforcement and widespread sale of non-green firecrackers.
Smog season in Delhi is back, and the air quality is not safe for any living being. Although substantial answers will take time, tiny everyday activities remain viable. Maintain hydration, consume antioxidant-rich meals, and keep medications on hand if you have asthma or heart issues. See a doctor right away if you have chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath. You may still safeguard yourself even if you do not have control over clean air. Our shared responsibility for the air we breathe requires more accountability and action from both individuals and the government.
The Crossword Book Awards returned this week for its 19th edition, honouring the stories and…
The HECI Bill, 2025 is a major reform package that seeks to replace India’s multiple…
India’s labour system just got a major shake-up. Until now, rules for workers and labourers…
Every year on December 1st, the world observes World AIDS Day, and the statistics tell…
Waves 2025 arrived with colour, sound, and an atmosphere that filled every corner of the…
BITS Pilani’s annual cultural festival Oasis 2025 concluded on November 11 after four days of…