Delhi Chokes As AQI Crosses 330 And GRAP Stage 2 Restrictions Bite

Delhi's air turned hazardous again on November 3 as the city's overall Air Quality Index hovered around 331, keeping the capital firmly in the 'very poor' band despite restrictions already in force. The reading followed a sharp three-day climb, from around 117 on October 31 to 261 on November 1 and 324 on November 2.

The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan on November 2 after the AQI breached the 300 mark, flagging the rapid deterioration. Several monitoring stations recorded far higher spot readings, with pockets of the city brushing the 'severe' threshold as a thick layer of smog settled over Delhi-NCR.

What happens next

GRAP Stage II tightens controls on dust, diesel generators and parking charges while ramping up public-transport frequency. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting 'very poor' air to persist and Diwali approaching, authorities face pressure to decide whether tougher Stage III curbs will be needed in the days ahead.

The rapid climb in just three days underscores how quickly winter conditions, calmer winds and falling temperatures, can trap pollutants over the capital. With festival-season activity adding to the load, the coming week will test whether the graded restrictions can slow the deterioration.