Delhi’s AQI rises to 384 in the ‘Very Poor’ category as winter smog worsens. Key hotspots slip into ‘Severe’ levels. Arvind Kejriwal demands removal of 18% GST on air and water purifiers amid escalating pollution concerns.

Delhi continued to choke under dense winter smog on Friday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 384, placing it firmly in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Despite a slight improvement earlier in the week that allowed authorities to roll back select restrictions, pollution levels remain alarming in several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

AQI Deteriorates Again as Smog Blankets the Capital

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi recorded an AQI of 384 at 8 AM, marginally higher than 377 registered on Thursday evening. The hazardous range (301–400) persists across the city, while several pollution hotspots have plunged back into the ‘Severe’ category (401–500).

Areas reporting Severe air quality include:

• Ashok Vihar – 417

• Bawana – 413

• Jahangirpuri – 420

• Anand Vihar – 408

Other major zones such as Chandni Chowk (408), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (401), and Burari Crossing (403) also reported dangerous air quality, posing significant health risks even for healthy individuals.

Locations including ITO (393), Najafgarh (365), Siri Fort (394), Mandir Marg (320), and Sri Aurobindo Marg (354) remained in the ‘Very Poor’ range, highlighting widespread stagnation of toxic air across NCR.

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Residents Question Pollution Causes and Government Responses

Local residents expressed frustration over the persistent haze. A resident named Vinod attributed the worsening pollution to a combination of seasonal factors and external elements like Ethiopian volcanic ash drifting into the region. He argued that measures such as cloud-seeding have yielded little impact due to poor execution and inadequate weather conditions.

GRAP Stage III Restrictions Withdrawn, But Caution Remains

Following slight improvement from ‘Severe’ AQI levels earlier this week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Wednesday.

However:

• Stage I and II measures will continue under the modified GRAP enforced from November 21.

• Construction sites previously shut under Stage III will need special approval to resume activities.

• Agencies have been directed to maintain strict monitoring to prevent air quality from slipping into the Severe+ category.

साफ़ हवा और साफ़ पानी हर नागरिक का बुनियादी अधिकार है।

दिल्ली सहित उत्तर भारत में हवा जानलेवा हो चुकी है, और समाधान देने की बजाय सरकार जनता से टैक्स वसूल रही है।

लोग अपने परिवार को प्रदूषण से बचाने के लिए एयर प्यूरीफ़ायर लेने जाते हैं, और वहाँ पता चलता है कि सरकार उस पर 18% GST…

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 28, 2025

Kejriwal Demands Removal of GST on Air Purifiers

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed both the central and Delhi BJP governments over their handling of the pollution crisis.

In a post on X, he wrote: “Clean air and clean water are fundamental rights for every citizen. In Delhi, the air has turned lethal, yet instead of providing solutions, the government is taxing people. Families buy air purifiers to protect themselves from pollution, only to discover an 18% GST slapped on them — this is outright injustice.”

Kejriwal urged the central government to immediately scrap the 18% GST on air and water purifiers, arguing that citizens should not be financially penalized for protecting their health during a pollution emergency.

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