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Weather
Delhi Air Quality Hits Severe Level, AQI Rises to 605 Despite GRAP II Measures
✍️ The Week
🗓 04 Nov 2026, 01:46 PM
👁 10
Delhi's air quality deteriorated to a severe level, with the AQI reaching 605, even as the government enforced GRAP II restrictions.
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) surged to 605, a figure that falls into the ‘severe’ category and exceeds the 500‑level threshold set by the World Health Organization. The spike was recorded on the day of reporting, marking a significant rise compared to earlier readings.
The rise came despite the implementation of GRAP II restrictions, a set of measures that limit vehicle movement, ban the use of certain fuels, and enforce stricter emission norms. These restrictions were introduced to curb pollution, yet the AQI climbed to alarming levels.
Health experts warn that an AQI of 605 can trigger respiratory distress, aggravate asthma, and pose risks to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. The high particulate matter concentration can also affect visibility and overall air quality.
In response, authorities urged residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear masks when venturing outside. They also called on industries and transport operators to adhere strictly to emission guidelines to help bring the AQI down.
The rise came despite the implementation of GRAP II restrictions, a set of measures that limit vehicle movement, ban the use of certain fuels, and enforce stricter emission norms. These restrictions were introduced to curb pollution, yet the AQI climbed to alarming levels.
Health experts warn that an AQI of 605 can trigger respiratory distress, aggravate asthma, and pose risks to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. The high particulate matter concentration can also affect visibility and overall air quality.
In response, authorities urged residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear masks when venturing outside. They also called on industries and transport operators to adhere strictly to emission guidelines to help bring the AQI down.