Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) continued to reel under hazardous air conditions on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the "very poor" to "severe" category across several parts of the city.
The national capital recorded an average AQI of 360 in the morning, while six monitoring stations crossed the 400 mark, reflecting alarming levels of pollution. 
Areas such as Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Narela, DTU and Wazirpur reported AQI readings between 401 and 427.
Other locations also showed severely deteriorated air quality, including Alipur (386), Anand Vihar (384), Ashok Vihar (392), Chandni Chowk (383), ITO (394), Lodhi Road (337), Mundka (396), Nehru Nagar (389), and Sirifort (368).
Supreme Court Reviews Emergency Air Pollution Measures
Amid worsening conditions, the Supreme Court resumed hearings on a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning escalating pollution levels in Delhi and neighbouring states. 
The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria, is reviewing actions taken to curb pollution, including stubble burning and industrial emissions.
During the previous hearing on November 12, the court expressed concern over the persistent smog despite implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). 
It directed Punjab and Haryana to submit detailed affidavits outlining measures taken to reduce stubble burning.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan urged the court to halt construction activities temporarily to limit public exposure, while amicus curiae Aparajita Singh highlighted inconsistencies in pollution data and stressed the severity of the situation.
The court also sought updates from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on its monitoring and enforcement efforts, noting discussions on imposing strict penalties, including arrests, to curb crop residue burning.
In light of the hazardous air, Supreme Court Judge P.S. Narasimha advised advocates to attend hearings virtually to reduce exposure to toxic air.

Delhi's AQI continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday, November 17

Delhi’s AQI worsens with six stations in ‘severe’ zone as Supreme Court reviews measures

Delhi Chokes As AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels

Delhi’s AQI worsens with six stations in ‘severe’ zone as Supreme Court reviews measures

November 17, 2025 | 16:16 IST