On Monday, air quality in Delhi deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 in several areas, indicating a shift into the "severe" category. This decline follows a notable increase in pollution levels recorded the previous day.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that by 7 a.m., multiple monitoring stations reported AQI readings above 400, including Anand Vihar at 433, Wazirpur at 414, Jahangirpuri at 413, Rohini at 409, and Punjabi Bagh at 404. Other regions of the national capital were categorized as "very poor."

The worsening air quality is primarily attributed to unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as calm winds and lower temperatures, which have hindered the dispersal of pollutants. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (EWS) noted that these conditions are expected to remain highly unfavorable for pollutant dispersion.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mist or smog in the early hours from Monday to Wednesday, with wind speeds expected to stay below 10 km/h, which could worsen the situation further. On Sunday, the city recorded its worst AQI of the season at 382, up from 316 the day before.

To address the escalating pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented several measures, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The agency has enforced penalties on construction sites, vehicles, and industries that do not comply with pollution control standards.

As part of these efforts, 56 construction and demolition sites have been shut down, and 597 sites were fined for violating pollution norms from October 15 to October 31. Additionally, around 54,000 vehicles without valid pollution-under-control certificates faced penalties, and over 3,900 older vehicles were seized.

Efforts to mitigate pollution have also included a crackdown on illegal waste disposal, with more than 5,300 inspections conducted and actions taken against offenders. To manage road dust, the CAQM has deployed mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns throughout the National Capital Region (NCR), utilizing approximately 600 sprinklers and anti-smog devices daily.