18th November 2024 is not just a normal morning for everyone in Delhi! A hazy morning begins with a thick blanket of smog left everyone confused whether fog or smog! Delhi became a living Gas Chamber on 18th November as AQI hit 700 for the first time in the last Four years. Not just this, November was recorded as the most polluted month for Delhi in 2024. The dilemma haunted everyone in Delhi NCR. And on 18th November 2024, Delhi became the most polluted ever in History (2021-2024).
All news channels and social media platforms are flooded with air pollution crisis news. Even 500 AQI is much higher for any person to face severe health conditions. And here levels crossed 700 on the same day. Today let us cover what happened in Delhi during November 2024. We will cover everything about the air quality conditions to action plans by the government and what residents have suffered for the entire month.
At the start of November Festivities everywhere, The Ending became a dilemma!
On 31st October and 1st November, Delhi celebrated an amazing two-day Diwali this year. However, AQI levels started with 305 in the “Severe” category. After this, every passing day set a new record in air quality levels. Let us first know the entire picture of AQI in November.
After 1st November, AQI levels increased and reached 381 on 4th November. And till 12th November, AQI levels reached again at the starting point of 305. Suddenly next day recorded 454 in the “Hazardous” category. Their own AQI levels increased and on 17th November, it recorded at 504. 17th November was first reported as the most polluted day in November. But soon the records changed and on 18th November AQI recorded at 795. On that day Delhi becomes the most polluted ever in History (2021-2024).
Air pollution After 18th November:
Delhi still faced the choking air even after 18th November. Though it is recorded as the most polluted day in history air quality levels decreased but not enough to provide relief. It remained in “Unhealthy” to “Severe” levels.
The last highest air quality in the year was recorded on 13th January as 516 AQI. However, as per the data, 18th November 2024 became the most polluted day in the history of four years. Yes, AQI levels never reached 700 in the last four years.
The highest air pollution in the history:
| Date and Year (2021-2024) | Average Air pollution in a day |
| 18th November, 2024 | 795 |
| 4th November, 2023 | 528 |
| 3rd November, 2022 | 555 |
| 5th November, 2021 | 700 |
Here are the peak AQI levels in Delhi over the last four years. As per these levels, the highest AQI was recorded in the same month as November. The reasons are clear that various factors resulted in high pollution levels in November. It includes festivals, stubble burning, temperature inversions etc as major culprits.
November 18 2024 recorded the highest air pollution levels in the history of four years. In 2021 also, AQI levels reached 700 causing an air emergency in the capital. However, 2024 still has the highest as it reached around 800 this year.
AQI in Delhi in the last 5 years:
The highest AQI in 2020 recorded at 518 in November. AQI levels remained in the “Hazardous” category for a few days due to lockdown conditions this year. Still, air pollution in Delhi affected the residents by causing “Severe” and “Unhealthy” levels.
In 2021, Delhi AQI levels showcased severe pollution levels in January, November and December. The highest AQI recorded in November was 700. The air pollution peak is similar to the highest AQI level recorded in 2024. Moreover, AQI levels in 2021 recorded more days in the Hazardous category resulting in long-term air pollution exposure.
2022 AQI levels in New Delhi reached the highest at 555 in November. However, only for a few days AQI levels in remained in the “Good” and the “Moderate” category. It makes the air pollution battle continuous in Delhi in 2022 as well. Also set a new record, mostly pollution throughout the year.
2023 AQI levels in Delhi mostly remain in the “Unhealthy” to “Severe” levels. For only a few months, AQI recorded between “Good” to “Poor” categories. The highest AQI level in 2023 was 528 in November which is lower than the highest recorded in 2024.
New Delhi AQI levels in 2024 recorded the highest AQI in November at 795. These record-breaking AQI levels are higher in comparison to the last five years. In last five years, the highest AQI levels recorded in November 2021 at 700. But this year, AQI levels reached near 800.
How has Delhi become the most polluted ever in History (2021-2024)?
AQI reaching 700 is not a common or easy thing because it can result in various problems. Hence, the visibility dropped on 18th November which resulted in many flights and trains cancelled. But what causes high pollution in Delhi all of a sudden? Here are some reasons that make November the most polluted month in 2024.
The Burning Fields of Punjab and Haryana
In the starting, the government banned and imposed fines on crop residue burning in Punjab, Haryana and nearby areas of Delhi. Despite the ban, many farmers performed stubble burning that resulted in an extra smog blanket in Delhi’s air.
Winter Made It Worse
November also comes with the new weather in Delhi and the entire north India. And then the temperature drops in Delhi. It results in temperature inversion and increases the pollution exposure for a longer time. The temperature drop makes the air movement slow and toxic pollutants are trapped close to the ground. Thus, it increases pollution and turns into smog in Delhi.
Festival in November:
November also comes with festivals and celebrations. Hence, it increases vehicular emissions in the city. Moreover, despite bans and fines on firecrackers, Delhi celebrated Diwali by lighting up the skies. It resulted in toxic chemicals in the air.
In the aftermath of 18th November, what did Delhi face after becoming the most polluted?
The aftermath of Delhi’s highest pollution in 2024 resulted in severe health issues. Yes, doctors in top hospitals in Delhi confirmed the surge in patients facing pollution-related health issues. Many people tweet about how air pollution is affecting their daily lives. Especially people with asthma and breathing issues. “Delhi is like a gas chamber for them that exacerbates their symptoms and it is difficult for them to live here.” Here is what happens:
- Health people suffered sore throats every morning. Every family in Delhi faced flu and cold-like situations.
- Asthmatic patients and residents with breathing issues can barely breathe as their conditions are exacerbated.
- Hospitals recorded more patients facing pollution-related issues such as burning throats, water eyes etc.
Government Action: Is It Enough to Control Pollution in Delhi?
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-3 was implemented in Delhi on 14th November. AQI levels on that recorded 400. After this, GRAP stage-4 was implemented in Delhi on 18th November. It includes regulations like bans on construction, vehicle movement restrictions, and industries shut down. Moreover, in the air emergency case, work from home in offices and physical classes also shut down.
Supreme Court intervention:
The Supreme Court in Delhi also criticized authorities for their inaction and poor enforcement in Delhi. They bashed as to why GRAP-4 was not implemented when the pollution level reached 400. Also, they asked for strict enforcement for stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and other nearby areas.
The Human Cost of Air Pollution in Delhi:
The air pollution surge in Delhi is not just a story of data and numbers. Since, it is more about the suffering of people.
- School-going children and students are at high risk and their parents are worried about it.
- The construction ban measures in Delhi resulted in income loss for the labour and worker class of Delhi. Long-term ban on construction affected earn daily and eat daily families.
- Many families deciding whether to stay in Delhi or leave for their health.
What Can We Learn?
On 18th November 2024, Delhi became the most polluted ever in history (2021- 2024). It is a wake-up call to improve the Delhi air quality. Because everyone has to action before it becomes the picture for more days. Thus, collective actions are needed to improve the air for everyone and our future.
