Delhi's air hits new lows as toxic gasses rise
Delhi just had its most polluted month in at least the last four years in November 2025, with air full of harmful gasses like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO)—especially during rush hour.
These toxic gasses showed sharper and more immediate spikes during rush hour compared to PM2.5, which accumulates and disperses more slowly, but pollution controls mostly ignored them.
Pollution numbers break records
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 357 in November. On November 18 [2025], the AQI soared to 795, the highest in four years.
CO levels from vehicles were above safe limits on over half the days.
Local sources need urgent action
Most efforts focus on dust, but it's actually vehicle emissions and burning fuels driving these spikes in NO2 and CO.
While stubble burning played a role for a few days, local pollution is the main issue.
Experts say Delhi needs a year-round plan targeting all sources if things are going to improve anytime soon.