Parts of Delhi continues to reel under ‘severe’ air pollution
Delhi's air quality remains in the 'very poor' category with several areas experiencing 'severe' pollution levels ahead of Deepavali. Authorities are utilizing AI-enabled surveillance and manual enforcement to implement GRAP Stage 2 restrictions while political parties engage in a blame game over stubble burning and data accuracy.
Why it matters
The persistent air quality crisis poses significant public health risks to millions of residents and highlights the ongoing challenges in inter-state coordination and data transparency regarding environmental policy.
New Delhi The air quality of the national capital continued to be in the “very poor” category for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday (November 5, 2026), while many parts of the city reeled under “severe” air pollution, according to official data. The overall air quality is expected to deteriorate to the “severe” category during Deepavali. “Severe” level air pollution affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). How is Delhi implementing restrictions to reduce air pollution? How is Delhi implementing restrictions to reduce air pollution? From Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to AI-enabled Integrated Control and Command Centres ICCC and manual checking, the authorities have adopted a mixed approach to impose the restrictions with varying degrees of success How is Delhi implementing restrictions to reduce air pollution?
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