The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Saturday claimed that coordinated efforts by various government departments to curb air pollution in the national capital have started showing visible results, with the city’s air quality remaining better on most days this November compared to the same period last year.
“Out of the last seven days, six have recorded better air quality than the corresponding days last year. This has been possible because of timely and coordinated action taken across departments,” DPCC officials said during a press briefing.
They also claimed that Delhi has so far avoided reaching the pollution levels that had triggered the implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) around the same time in 2023. During the briefing, officials mentioned that multiple agencies have received directives to control dust and vehicular pollution, as well as to enforce strict regulations against biomass burning and industrial emissions.
“Mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling have been intensified. Over 100 machines are currently being operated by various municipal bodies. Potholes are being repaired, landfill sites are being managed, and anti-smog guns are being used at several locations,” the official said.
The transport department has been instructed to conduct more checks on polluting vehicles, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been encouraged to discourage biomass burning, especially as temperatures begin to drop.
Officials emphasised that the goal this year is to avoid implementing GRAP Stage III and IV restrictions through proactive enforcement and public participation.
“Last year, GRAP Stage III was imposed on November 13. This time, with support from all departments and the residents of Delhi, we hope to prevent reaching that stage,” the official said.
Officials acknowledged comparisons with previous governments and asserted that all steps taken are visible, data-driven, and regularly reviewed, including increased use of mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling.
The DPCC has called on all citizens, govt enforcement agencies, and private bodies to follow advisories, make individual contributions—particularly by avoiding polluting practices—and support the collective campaign for better air in Delhi this winter season.
- November 1: AQI 303 (2025) vs 339 (2024)
- November 3: AQI 309 (2025) vs 382 (2024)
- November 4: AQI 291 (2025) vs 381 (2024)
- November 5: AQI 202 (2025) vs 373 (2024)
- November 6: AQI 311 (2025) vs 352 (2024)
- November 7: AQI 322 (2025) vs 377 (2024)
