Delhi Air Quality Shows Modest Improvement, But Still Stands In 'Poor' Category As Haze Lingers

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 11:13 IST

Several monitoring stations reported alarming figures. Alipur, Wazirpur, Bawana, and Anand Vihar all recorded “severe” pollution levels on Tuesday.

Delhi has always been in the headlines due to its air pollution. (Photo Credit: X)

A light haze persisted over Delhi on Wednesday, although the city’s air quality showed slight improvement, moving from “very poor" to “poor." The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 230, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Areas such as ITO and Akshardham experienced worse conditions, with AQI levels reaching 281 early in the morning. While this was a slight improvement from Tuesday evening’s 291, the air quality was still unhealthy. Earlier in the week, Delhi endured three consecutive days of “very poor" air quality, with AQI levels of 366 on Sunday and 309 on Monday.

Several monitoring stations reported alarming figures. Alipur, Wazirpur, Bawana, and Anand Vihar all recorded “severe" pollution levels on Tuesday, with readings ranging from 402 to 421.

Officials attribute the post-Diwali decline in wind speed and cooler temperatures to the trapping of pollutants near the ground. Since the festival on October 20, Delhi’s air quality has fluctuated between “poor" and “very poor" as smog continues to linger.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted a reduction in stubble-burning, a major pollution source at this time of year, compared to last season. From September 15 to November 3, Punjab reported 2,518 farm fires, down from 4,132 last year, while Haryana recorded 145, significantly fewer than last year’s 857.

Authorities inspected over 2,200 fields and imposed environmental compensation amounting to Rs 55.75 lakh on violators.

Meanwhile, a new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) presented a grim national outlook. Data from October 2025 indicated a significant decline in air quality across India, particularly in the national capital region.

Dharuhera in Haryana topped the list as India’s most polluted city in October, experiencing two “severe" and nine “very poor" days. It was followed by Rohtak, Ghaziabad, Noida, Ballabgarh, Delhi, and other NCR cities. Delhi ranked sixth overall, with average PM2.5 concentrations three times higher than in September.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

News new-delhi-news Delhi Air Quality Shows Modest Improvement, But Still Stands In 'Poor' Category As Haze Lingers

Read More