Pollution risk rises in Delhi, AQI remains in 'Poor' category

Amid efforts to control rising pollution during winter in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), no consistent improvement in air quality is being observed. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), there has been no sustained improvement in Delhi's winter air quality over the last four years. Through analysis of government data, CREA stated that Delhi's winter AQI (Air Quality Index) has fluctuated continuously over the last four years. The average AQI increased from 280 in 2022-23 to 304 in 2023-24, subsequently came down to 285 in 2024-25, and rose again to 295 in 2025-26. Similarly, the median AQI increased from 294 to 324, decreased to 289, and rose again to 305. CREA analyst Manoj Kumar stated that after the improvements in GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in 2022, no sustained downward trend has been observed in Delhi's winter air quality.

To control pollution levels in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-1 of GRAP on 21 October. Stricter controls will be imposed if pollution levels rise further. Looking at past data, a decrease in AQI has often been observed after the implementation of Stage-4. For instance, on 17 January 2026, the AQI was 400, which decreased to 192 within a week. In November 2023, it also decreased from 454 to 218. However, this does not happen every time. In December 2024, one week after Stage-4 was implemented, the AQI increased from 379 to 406. According to an analysis of seven cases, the AQI decreased significantly in five cases, decreased by only 33 points (431 to 398) in one case, and increased in one case.

The main causes of pollution include not only the burning of waste in fields but also other factors. According to the Decision Support System of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, pollution coming from cities surrounding Delhi accounts for a 37 per cent share in PM2.5 pollution, which is the largest cause. Vehicles are the second largest polluter, accounting for a 20.8 per cent share, while burning waste in fields spreads 10.9 per cent of the pollution. Thus, regional pollution and transport have proven to be more influential than agricultural waste. To curb vehicle emissions, a ban on the entry of vehicles below Bharat Stage-VI emission standards will be imposed in Delhi from 1 November to 31 January 2027.

According to recent reports, on 29 October 2026, Delhi's AQI was 229 and 39 monitoring stations were above 200. 'Very Poor' quality was recorded in Uttam Nagar, Mundka, and Dwarka Sector 8. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 6 am on Wednesday, PM2.5 was the primary pollutant at 42 out of 58 stations, while PM10 was the primary pollutant at 15 stations. Pollution also changes with changes in the weather; on Tuesday evening the AQI was 197, which reached the 'Poor' category by evening.

According to NASA satellite data regarding incidents of burning waste in fields, 767 fire incidents were recorded in Punjab and Haryana between 1 and 27 October, with 661 in Punjab and 106 in Haryana. However, this figure is lower than last year's 1,048. But according to the research group iFOREST, this figure may be lower because the timing of burning waste in fields has now changed. Data from Meteosat and INSAT-3DS satellites show that in 2025, 98 to 99 per cent of fire incidents were recorded after 3 pm, whereas the NASA satellite passes by at 1:30 pm, making the actual number appear lower.

On the other hand, the air quality is also becoming toxic due to the negligence of government agencies responsible for pollution control, such as MCD, NDMC, and PWD. According to Amar Ujala's ground report, rules are being violated in various areas of Delhi. Construction has been ongoing for four months on Tagore Road near the Civic Centre, but debris and potholes have been left there. In Daryaganj, sand and debris have been left open during construction on the footpath. Roads near Delhi Gate are also filled with potholes and debris. On Feroz Shah Road, soil is being left open by trucks, causing dust to fly. Incidents of burning waste also continue constantly in Shiv Vihar, spreading black smoke.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there has also been a decrease in temperature in Delhi. On Wednesday, Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at 15.7°C, which is 0.4 degrees lower than normal. The lowest temperature was recorded in Ayangagar at 14.8°C, while it was 15.7°C in Safdarjung. The temperature was 15.5°C in Palam and 16.2°C in Lodhi Road. Due to the drop in temperature, the pollution situation is becoming more severe. CAQM has held meetings with the Punjab and Haryana governments and has instructed immediate steps to be taken to prevent the burning of waste in fields and has advised monitoring through drones and sensors.