Delhi AQI Hits 403, Tops Global Pollution Rankings
Delhi overtook Pakistan’s Lahore to become the world’s most polluted major city on Friday, November 13, as thick smog reduced visibility across the national capital. Air quality reached hazardous levels, with international monitoring agency IQAir recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 334, while India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a severe reading of 403.
Delhi AQI Reaches Severe Category at 403
The CPCB recorded Delhi’s AQI at 403 on Friday morning, placing the city in the severe pollution category.
Several monitoring stations reported substantially higher readings. IIT Delhi recorded an AQI of 488, followed by Chandni Chowk at 479 and Delhi University’s North Campus at 478.
Of the 58 monitoring stations reporting data, 33 registered severe pollution levels, indicating widespread deterioration across the capital.
Delhi Overtakes Lahore in Global Air Pollution Ranking
According to IQAir’s live rankings, Delhi surpassed Lahore to become the most polluted major city globally.
IQAir classified Delhi’s reading of 334 as hazardous, while CPCB reported 403 under India’s national AQI system.
The difference arises because the two organisations use different calculation methods and classification scales.
Dense smog reduced visibility on major roads, with vehicles and streetlights becoming difficult to distinguish in several areas.
GRAP Stage III Restrictions Remain in Force
Authorities had introduced Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR on November 6.
The measures include controls on construction activities, restrictions on certain older vehicles and additional pollution-control requirements.
Delhi’s winter pollution is aggravated by vehicle emissions, construction dust, agricultural burning and weather conditions that trap pollutants near the ground.
The latest deterioration has renewed concerns about respiratory health risks, particularly for children, elderly residents and people with existing lung conditions.
