Delhi Pollution: From dust to smoke, poison is everywhere… Why is Delhi's air suffocating? Learn about the major causes of pollution.

Posted on 4th Nov 2025 by rohit kumar

In the capital, air quality remained a respiratory hazard as temperatures plummeted due to increased wind speeds and falling temperatures. However, air quality improved on Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 309, a 57-point drop compared to Sunday. The morning began with haze and light fog, causing breathing difficulties. A light smog blanketed the sky throughout the day, reducing visibility in the morning.

 

 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) predicts that air quality may reach the severe category on Tuesday, potentially causing respiratory problems for those with respiratory problems and potentially causing eye irritation. According to the CPCB, winds blew from the northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour on Sunday. The estimated maximum mixing depth was 2100 meters. The ventilation index was 15200 meters per second. At 3 pm, the PM10 concentration was recorded at 273.4 micrograms per cubic meter and PM2.5 at 153.7 micrograms per cubic meter.

 

 

According to the CPCB, the air quality was recorded as very poor at several monitoring stations across the capital, while the AQI was poor in some areas. Ten areas recorded an AQI above 350, including 380 in Wazirpur, 402 in Vivek Vihar, 401 in RK Puram, 396 in Rohini, 350 in Ashok Vihar, 362 in Anand Vihar, 362 in Alipur, 369 in Bawana, and 373 in Jahangirpuri. Since Diwali, the AQI has remained in the poor and very poor categories in many areas of Delhi, while Graded Response Action Plan-2 (GRAP-2) restrictions are still in place.

 

 

Why is the air getting polluted

1. Mountains of garbage: There are landfill sites in Ghazipur, Okhla, and Bhalswa. Millions of tons of garbage lie on these three sites. The dust generated from these sites floats in the atmosphere. Efforts to eliminate these mountains of garbage have been underway for many years. -Construction dust: Construction work continues throughout Delhi throughout the year. Some is authorized, but more is unauthorized. Dust management regulations appear to be flouted.

 

 

2. Vehicle exhaust: According to one estimate, 10 million vehicles, from two-wheelers to heavy vehicles, ply the roads in Delhi every day. The smoke emitted from these vehicles contributes to air pollution. More than the smoke itself, the tiny particles emitted from their tires pollute the air, which is more harmful to health.

 

 

3. Road and footpath dust: Road dust also plays a significant role in air pollution. Even when some roads are cleaned with machines, the dust remains on the footpaths, preventing the machines from operating on them. In unauthorized colonies, many roads have unpaved footpaths, which constantly generate dust. No robust system is in place to control this.

 

 

4. Construction and Demolition Debris: Debris from construction and demolition (C&D) remains littered along the roadsides. Delhi has four C&D waste recycling plants. Even when operating at full capacity, they can process five thousand tons of debris per day. However, six thousand tons are generated daily.

 

 

5. Open Garbage Burning: Open burning of garbage is rampant across the capital. This is prohibited year-round, but the municipal corporation has failed to fully control it. Even after the second phase of GRAP, people remain unwarranted, and garbage continues to be burned at various locations.

 

 

6. Industrial Emissions: Pollutants from industrial activities contribute to air pollution. There are many industries in and around Delhi that contribute to air pollution.