Delhi woke up to another day under a thick haze on Wednesday as the air quality remained locked between the “very poor” and “poor” categories across several parts of the national capital. Authorities have stepped up their response under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II), enforcing strict pollution-control measures including a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI compliant commercial vehicles into the city from November 1, 2025.
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollution levels in multiple monitoring stations crossed the 300 mark, reflecting dangerously high particulate matter concentrations. At 7:00 AM, RK Puram recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 308, while Anand Vihar stood at 307, both categorised as “very poor.” Other areas like Ashok Vihar (302) and Bawana (322) reported similar readings, showing no significant improvement despite ongoing interventions.
Meanwhile, Dwarka Sector 8 registered an AQI of 298, ITO recorded 306, and Nehru Nagar reported 294, all indicating “poor to very poor” air quality levels. Prominent public spaces such as Akshardham (307) and India Gate (282) also recorded declining air quality. Lodhi Road, often considered a relatively greener stretch, showed an AQI of 226, which still falls under the “poor” category.
Authorities have intensified ground-level actions by deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in pollution-prone areas like Lodhi Road, ITO, and Ashram. These measures aim to settle dust particles and reduce suspended pollutants temporarily.
Strict Ban on Non-BS-VI Commercial Vehicles from November 1
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued an official directive under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, enforcing a ban on the entry of all non-BS-VI compliant diesel commercial vehicles into Delhi beginning November 1, 2025.
The CAQM’s notification reads:
“The Commission, with a view to abate air pollution caused by a high volume of commercial goods vehicles entering Delhi, has issued Statutory Direction No. 88 dated April 23, 2025, directing a strict ban on the entry of all transport/commercial goods vehicles, except those running on BS-VI, CNG, LNG, or electricity. This will apply across LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs, except vehicles registered within Delhi.”
Non-BS-VI commercial vehicles will be permitted entry into Delhi only until October 31, 2026, after which a complete ban will be enforced. This decision aligns with the city’s broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, which remain one of the major contributors to air pollution in the region.
Officials have confirmed that enforcement agencies will conduct intensified checks at border points including Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad, to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Violations will invite penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act and other applicable provisions.
Cloud Seeding and Other Measures to Combat Smog
As part of its innovative air quality management strategy, the Delhi government has initiated two consecutive cloud seeding operations to test the potential for artificial rainfall under current weather conditions. The trials, carried out in collaboration with meteorological experts, aim to evaluate how effectively moisture can be converted into precipitation during the city’s peak pollution phase.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is focusing on scientific interventions to address air pollution on multiple fronts.
“Our focus is to assess how much rainfall can be triggered under Delhi’s real-life humidity conditions. With each trial, we learn how science can help us mitigate pollution during winter and throughout the year. We are committed to exploring every sustainable method to safeguard public health,” Sirsa stated.
In addition to cloud seeding, local authorities have directed strict monitoring of construction sites, industrial emissions, and biomass burning in surrounding NCR districts. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also instructed municipal bodies to intensify mechanical road sweeping and night patrolling to curb dust resuspension.
Rising Concern Over Health and Visibility
Environmental experts have warned that continued exposure to “very poor” air quality levels poses serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. The PM2.5 concentration, which is the most hazardous air pollutant, remains significantly above safe limits across the city.
Hospitals in several districts have reported an uptick in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and headaches. Doctors recommend staying indoors during peak hours, using N95 masks outdoors, and maintaining proper ventilation at home.
Visibility in several areas also dropped due to thick smog, disrupting early morning traffic and flight schedules at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Traffic police have deployed additional personnel at congested intersections to manage slow-moving vehicles amid low visibility conditions.
The Road Ahead
With winter approaching and pollution levels expected to worsen, authorities have emphasized the importance of public cooperation. Citizens are urged to minimize private vehicle usage, adopt carpooling, and switch to public transport wherever possible.
Experts believe that while immediate actions like GRAP-II restrictions and vehicle bans can temporarily reduce pollution, long-term solutions require sustained regional cooperation, stricter emission norms, and large-scale adoption of green technologies.
As Delhi continues its annual struggle with deteriorating air quality, the coming weeks will test the effectiveness of these interventions — and the city’s resolve to breathe cleaner air.