Delhi records its worst October air quality in six years as pollution worsens for fifth day.

Despite Delhi recording its lowest September Air Quality Index (AQI) average in five years at 102, harmful particulate matter levels actually rose during the month, with PM2.5 increasing to 39 µg/m³ and PM10 to 106 µg/m³ compared to the previous year.

Delhi’s air quality worsened for the fifth straight day, with AQI reaching 187 as October begins with its worst pollution levels in six years.

A ‘moderate’ May AQI looks great on paper. But with unhealthy PM10 levels, toxic ozone spikes, hidden SO2, and monitoring stations hidden amongst vegetation, the capital’s clean air narrative is mostly hot air.

The cleaner PM2.5 levels also coincided with favourable weather conditions during the month.

A new study by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Atmospheric Sciences shows that limiting sulphur emissions across India could drastically improve air quality.

For May, this was the lowest in three years, since May 31, 2023, when it was recorded at 85 (satisfactory), according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board

Draft policy proposes tax exemptions, incentives and phased transition to electric vehicles, including mandatory e-two-wheelers by 2028, to tackle rising emissions in the capital.

According to government data, national capital Delhi had only 79 good-to-satisfactory AQI days. That's less than 22% of the whole year.

Delhi's new air quality monitoring stations show only a minor impact on pollution calculations, with average AQI changing by just one point so far.

Delhi’s average winter air quality graph over the past 10 years is not linear. But when all factors are taken into account, one thing is unmistakably clear.

AQI jumped over 60 points in 24 hours, with pollution expected to ease as stronger surface winds set in later this week.

The 2026-27 Budget estimate has made drastic cuts to the funding of pollution control boards, CAQM, and NCAP.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region has revoked Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan after a sustained improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

In 2025, Delhi met the national PM2.5 air quality standard on only 156 out of 365 days. This accounted for just 43 per cent of the year, with only four such days recorded during the winter season, which remained the most polluted period.

Delhi’s air quality hit a severe AQI of 440, marking the most polluted January in two years, due to stagnant winds and rising emissions.

New Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category on Sunday, with AQI readings touching levels last seen two years ago, making the second half of January among the worst on record.

O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de Delhi saltou acentuadamente para a zona “severa” mais tóxica no domingo, marcando o dia de janeiro mais poluído em dois anos, com o AQI atingindo 440 e dominando a cidade.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 440, making it the city’s worst January air quality in two years as weak winds and higher emissions trapped pollution.

Severe pollution grips national capital as unfavourable weather and emissions push AQI higher