Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AIIMS AQI Reaches 418 as Severe Smog Engulfs the Capital | India News, 13 November 2026

New Delhi, November 13, 2026: Delhi woke up to another morning of hazardous air pollution on Friday as a thick blanket of smog covered several parts of the national capital. Air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) reaching 418, placing it in the 'Severe' category.

The worsening pollution situation has raised concerns among residents, particularly children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory and heart-related conditions. Several monitoring stations across Delhi also reported AQI readings above 400, highlighting the widespread nature of the pollution crisis.

Delhi AQI Today: AIIMS Records 418

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitoring data, the air quality around AIIMS reached an AQI of 418 during the early morning hours on November 13.

Other locations also recorded alarming pollution levels:

• ITO: AQI 455
• AIIMS area: AQI 418
• Akshardham: AQI 414
• Rajokri Border: AQI 402
• R.K. Puram: AQI 391
• Dwarka Expressway: AQI 369

The readings indicate that several parts of Delhi were experiencing severe or very poor air quality.

Delhi's Air Quality Continues to Deteriorate

Delhi's pollution levels have shown a concerning upward trend over the past few days.

According to reported CPCB readings, the city's average AQI increased from 299 on November 10 to 313 on November 11 and 350 on November 12. By the morning of November 13, the average had crossed 400 in reported monitoring updates.

The deterioration has coincided with changing weather conditions and the period following Diwali celebrations. Weather conditions can influence how quickly pollutants disperse, while emissions from vehicles, construction activities and other sources also contribute to pollution.

What Does an AQI of 418 Mean?

The Air Quality Index measures the level of air pollution and helps people understand potential health risks.

Under India's CPCB classification, AQI levels are divided into six categories:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

An AQI reading of 418 falls within the Severe category. At this level, air pollution can affect healthy people and may seriously impact individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Why Is Delhi Experiencing Severe Air Pollution?

Delhi's air pollution is influenced by several factors, including:

1. Vehicle Emissions: A large number of vehicles operating across the capital release pollutants that contribute to poor air quality.

2. Construction Dust: Dust from construction sites, roads and infrastructure projects adds particulate matter to the atmosphere.

3. Industrial Emissions: Industrial activities and other combustion sources contribute to pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions.

4. Weather Conditions: Low wind speeds and unfavourable atmospheric conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively.

5. Seasonal Pollution: Crop-residue burning in neighbouring regions and post-Diwali emissions can add to the seasonal pollution burden.

How Can Residents Protect Themselves?

With air quality in the Severe category, residents should take sensible precautions to reduce exposure to polluted air.

Some important precautions include:

• Reduce prolonged outdoor activities when pollution levels are severe.
• Avoid outdoor exercise during periods of high pollution.
• Use a well-fitting N95 or equivalent particulate respirator when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
• Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution is particularly high, where practical.
• Follow official air-quality advisories and health recommendations.
• Seek medical advice if experiencing breathing difficulties or other concerning symptoms.

Children, older adults and people with asthma or existing heart and lung conditions should take particular care.

Government Measures and the Way Forward

Controlling Delhi's air pollution requires coordinated action by government agencies, local authorities and residents.

Measures such as road cleaning, dust suppression, controlling construction dust, improving public transport and enforcing industrial emission standards can help reduce pollution.

The effectiveness of these measures depends on consistent implementation and coordination across Delhi and the neighbouring National Capital Region (NCR).

Authorities and residents will be closely monitoring air-quality readings as the winter pollution season progresses.

Conclusion

Delhi's air pollution situation remains a major concern on November 13, 2026, with the AQI around AIIMS reaching 418 and several monitoring stations recording severe pollution levels.

The latest readings highlight the need for sustained pollution-control measures and greater public awareness. While authorities work to address the sources of pollution, residents should follow official advisories and take appropriate precautions to minimise exposure.

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