Air pollution in Delhi and NCR has once again reached dangerous levels. The situation has worsened so much that not only has concern increased within the country but its impact has started becoming visible even abroad. Due to poor air quality, cities like UK, Canada and Singapore have issued travel advisories for their citizens. Meanwhile, the biggest question before the common people is which mask will be most effective in avoiding increasing pollution. In such a situation, let us tell you today which mask will be suitable in case of increasing air pollution.

Delhi’s air becomes severe, condition continues to worsen

On Monday, the air quality index in many areas of Delhi was recorded in the very poor category. AQI reached 493 in Anand Vihar and 498 in Jahangirpuri, which falls in the severe category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air remained at critical level at 38 stations in the capital. Visibility has also reduced due to thick layer of smog and fog. In view of the serious situation of pollution, the Air Quality Management Commission has implemented Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan.

What things should be kept in mind while buying a mask?

The most important thing while choosing a mask to protect from pollution is its filtration capacity. According to experts, to avoid this pollution, the mask should be such that it can filter very fine particles like PM 2.5. Along with this, proper fitting on the face is also important. If air is going in from the edge of the mask then it is not considered effective. Whereas a comfortable mask which can be worn for a long time is better in terms of protection.

Why are clothes and surgical masks not effective?

Cloth masks may look good, but they are not capable of stopping the microscopic particles present in urban pollution. Whereas surgical masks provide some protection, but due to loose fitting, they are not able to completely protect against PM 2.5 particles. Therefore, relying on cloth and surgical masks can be dangerous during severe pollution.

Why N95, KN95 and FFP2 are the right options?

According to experts, respirators like N95, KN95 and FFP2 are considered the most reliable for protection from pollution. When worn properly, these masks are capable of blocking up to 95 percent of fine particles. At the same time, these masks prove to be more effective for those traveling on busy roads and using public transport. Apart from this, high grade masks like N99 can provide more relief for people suffering from asthma, allergies or respiratory problems. These masks filter even very small particles. Whereas for office goers, reusable and N95 masks with replaceable filters are considered good which can be used for a long time.

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On the issue of pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Monday (December 1, 2025) asked whether the reason for pollution is only stubble burning. The court said that farmers are rarely in the court to present their side, hence it is easy to hold them completely responsible. The court said that even before stubble burning was done, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was never in such a bad category. Even during the Corona period, stubble was burnt, but this was not seen then.

According to the report of Bar and Bench, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi has directed that the report should be presented in the court and told what is being done to deal with the other causes of pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court was hearing the long pending MC Mehta case, which involves air pollution and other environment related issues.

‘Only stubble burning cannot be held responsible for pollution’, said CJI
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the court that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has prepared an action plan to deal with the problem of pollution in Delhi-NCR. He said that a plan has been prepared to deal with the pollution caused by stubble burning, dust from vehicles, construction, road dust and burning of biomass. On this, CJI Surya Kant said, ‘I do not want to comment on stubble burning. It is easy to put the entire responsibility on him because farmers are hardly in court.

‘The stubble was burnt even during the Corona period, the situation was not like this then’, CJI said
CJI Surya Kant also said that stubble has been being burnt for a long time, but never before has Delhi’s air become so bad as has been seen in recent years. He said that stubble was burnt even during the Corona period, but even then the sky looked blue and stars were visible. Why? We need to pay attention to other factors also.

Court gave important instructions to deal with pollution
The CJI directed to submit a report within a week on what is being done to deal with other factors responsible for pollution. The CJI also said that both short term and long term plans should be given in the report. Justice Surya Kant said that no city was developed at this level to accommodate such a large population or with the idea that every house would have multiple vehicles. He said that the court should be told when and how the measures to tackle pollution will be implemented or are these measures just meant to be written on paper.

‘Hearing on Delhi pollution will be held twice every month’, said the court
The Chief Justice said that the case will be heard regularly and hearing will be held twice every month. He said that CAQM should re-review the measures to deal with pollution. It remains to be seen what impact the steps being taken have had. CJI Surya Kant also said that the next hearing will be on December 10.