Every year, as winter approaches, the Delhi-NCR region begins facing a familiar problem. The skies turn hazy, air quality deteriorates and daily life is increasingly affected by pollution.
November 2026 has brought these concerns back, with several parts of the region witnessing worsening air quality.
Authorities are once again introducing measures to tackle the situation. But what makes Delhi-NCR particularly vulnerable to pollution during this time of the year? And why does the crisis keep returning despite repeated restrictions and warnings?
Delhi-NCR Is Back Under A Blanket Of Smog
Air quality has worsened across Delhi-NCR, with several areas reporting unhealthy pollution levels.
On 4 November, Delhi recorded an AQI of 373, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The CPCB classifies readings of 301–400 as 'very poor' and 401–500 as 'severe'. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 321 around 8 am, while Gwal Pahari and Teri Gram reported 375 and 339, respectively.
The worsening air has coincided with traffic congestion on National Highway 48, particularly between DLF Cyber City and Udyog Vihar near the Delhi-Gurugram border.
Meanwhile, restrictions on non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards came into effect on 1 November. However, traffic police told Hindustan Times that these checks were not the main cause of congestion. They attributed it to heavy traffic ahead of Diwali and other disruptions.
Why Does Pollution Return Every Winter?
Delhi-NCR's pollution is a year-round problem that worsens after the monsoon and during winter.
A 2023 Sustainability study, What Is Polluting Delhi's Air? A Review From 1990 To 2022, identifies several sources of PM2.5 pollution. Vehicle emissions, construction and road dust, and industrial emissions each contribute an estimated 10–30% to Delhi's annual average PM2.5 levels. Residential cooking and heating contribute less than 10% in summer and less than 30% in winter, while waste burning accounts for 5–15%.
Power plants contribute less than 7%, dust storms less than 5%, agricultural residue burning less than 3% and Diwali firecrackers less than 1%, according to the estimates cited in the review.
Winter makes matters worse. Lower temperatures, slow winds and temperature inversion trap pollutants near the ground. Crop residue burning and firecrackers add to seasonal pollution.
The study highlights that no single source or neighbouring state is responsible. Emissions from multiple sectors and regions contribute to Delhi-NCR's pollution.
What Are Authorities Doing This Time?
Authorities have introduced several restrictions across Delhi-NCR to control emissions and curb pollution.
1. Construction Restrictions Across NCR
On 30 October, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered a halt to dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction from 5 to 20 November. This includes roads, highways, flyovers, overbridges, pipelines and other infrastructure projects.
Railways, metro services, airports, hospitals, water supply, sanitation and certain nationally important projects are exempt, subject to dust-control measures.
2. Work From Home For 50% Of Employees
Government and private offices in Delhi and five NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, must limit physical attendance to 50% from 5 to 20 November. The remaining staff must work from home.
Industrial establishments and essential services where remote working is not feasible are exempt.
3. Restrictions On Older Vehicles
Since 1 November, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards have been barred from entering the Capital. The restriction will remain in place until 31 January 2027.
Its implementation has also led to traffic management challenges at some entry points.
4. GRAP Stage II Restrictions
On 2 November, CAQM invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across NCR after Delhi's AQI reached 324.
The measures include more frequent mechanical and vacuum road sweeping, water sprinkling, dust suppression and stricter action against pollution sources. These build on the restrictions already in place under GRAP Stage I.
The Bigger Question: Are Seasonal Restrictions Enough?
The November restrictions may offer short-term relief, but they do not tackle every source of pollution.
The 2023 research review notes that stricter vehicle emission standards can be offset by rising vehicle numbers and usage. It also points out that air purifiers cannot solve outdoor pollution. The focus must be on cutting emissions at their source.
This requires year-round action on public transport, road dust, industrial emissions and waste management, along with coordination between Delhi and neighbouring states.
Since pollution crosses state borders, isolated measures cannot deliver lasting results. The bigger question is whether authorities can break this cycle before another winter brings the same crisis.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Why does Delhi-NCR experience severe air pollution every winter?
Vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, waste burning and agricultural residue burning contribute to the region's air pollution. Winter weather conditions trap pollutants closer to the ground.
What was Delhi's AQI on 4 November 2026?
Delhi recorded an AQI of 373, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported on Wednesday morning.
What restrictions has Gurugram introduced?
From 5 to 20 November, dust-generating construction and demolition activities will be restricted. Government and private offices must also limit physical attendance to 50% of their workforce.
What is the BS-VI vehicle restriction in Delhi?
Non-Delhi-registered petrol and diesel vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering Delhi from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, subject to applicable exemptions.
What is GRAP Stage II?
It is the second level of the Graded Response Action Plan, activated when air quality reaches the 'very poor' category. It introduces additional measures to control pollution across NCR.
Why is winter pollution difficult to control?
Lower temperatures, slower winds and temperature inversion trap pollutants near the ground. Pollution from several sources and neighbouring regions also adds to the problem.
