Delhi's air quality hits severe levels for the first time this winter with health risks rising

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to the severe category for the first time this winter, with an Air Quality Index of 403. Thirty-three out of 58 monitoring stations in Delhi reported severe pollution levels, including IIT Delhi at 488 and Chandni Chowk at 479. Despite GRAP Stage 3 restrictions and fewer farm fires in Punjab, pollution remains high. The severe smog also affects nearby cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, with health risks prompting doctors to recommend N95 masks and limit outdoor exposure. Local emissions and traffic continue to contribute significantly to the pollution.