Mumbai’s air quality has improved over the past five years, but it still remains unhealthy for residents. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), average PM2.5 levels in the city have dropped by about 12%, yet pollution continues to stay above national and World Health Organisation standards.

A thick blanket of smog covered Delhi on Monday, but the official air pollution data went missing for hours. The government's websites failed to update the air quality index, leaving citizens in the dark about the dangerous pollution levels even as the air visibly worsened and the smell of smoke filled the city.

A thick blanket of smog covered Delhi on Monday, but the official air pollution data went missing for hours. The government's websites failed to update the air quality index, leaving citizens in the dark about the dangerous pollution levels even as the air visibly worsened and the smell of smoke filled the city.

Monitoring Stations Nestled In Green Areas In An Atmosphere Away From Road Realities You Face Daily

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, while Delhi’s air quality index stood at around 370 (‘very poor’), Gurgaon's was at 238 (‘poor’) thanks to winds and terrain easing pollution there.

As smog thickens in Delhi and people complain of burning eyes, scratchy throats and breathing problems, are the official air quality monitors accurately reflecting the capital’s air quality?

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply over the past week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe’ category for several days. TOI looks at some of the measures in place and how effective they are in the fight against pollution.

Is cloud seeding the solution to Delhi’s pollution crisis? Apparently not. Or will odd-even, smog towers or water sprinkling make a real difference? As Delhi gasps for breath once again, govts, citizens and experts weigh in with a range of measures — each with its own promise and pitfalls.

This October seemed to promise clean air, with the average air quality index (AQI) remaining below 200 (moderate) in the city. But with most monitoring stations going dark throughout the month, a true picture of AQI is guesswork. Gurgaon ended Oct with an AQI of 195 on Friday. At first glance, this might appear to be an improvement, but Gurgaon saw a decline in air quality going by the data.

The city’s air quality index (AQI), which Thursday had plunged to its worst October level in three years at 373, unexpectedly improved Friday to 218 — a drop of 155 points.

Most Monitors Went Dark Last Month, Teri Gram Stn Still Down

Delhi experienced its most polluted October day in three years on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 373 in the ‘very poor’ category as a thick haze blanketed the city.

Delhiites on Thursday inhaled the most polluted Oct air in three years. The AQI deteriorated to 373 on the higher end of the very poor category as a toxic haze hung over the city. It was recorded at 279 (poor) a day earlier.

AQI-PUNCTURE: 3 Of 4 Ggn Stations Not Working, AQI ‘Moderate

3 of City’s 4 Air Monitoring Stations Not Working, AQI In ‘Moderate’ Zone.

Gurgaon's air quality readings are misleading as two of its four monitoring stations are offline, distorting the true pollution levels. This data gap, occurring during peak farm fire season, hinders public health awareness and regulatory action, raising concerns about governance and preparedness.

Even as the Delhi government considered artificial rain to tackle pollution, experts warned that it is a 'costly and unsustainable' measure. They emphasised that the only effective way to improve air quality is to control pollution at its source.

Despite hazy skies and residents complaining of itchy eyes and throat irritation, Delhi actually reported an improved air quality index (AQI) on Thursday, down from the 'severe' to the 'very poor' category.

Even as the Delhi government considered artificial rain to tackle pollution, experts warned that it is a 'costly and unsustainable' measure. They emphasised that the only effective way to improve air quality is to control pollution at its source.

Despite hazy skies and residents complaining of itchy eyes and throat irritation, Delhi actually reported an improved air quality index (AQI) on Thursday, down from the 'severe' to the 'very poor' category.