Delhi’s AQI spikes to ‘poor’ level as haze spreads across NCR

Delhi’s 24‑hour average Air Quality Index rose to 232 on the morning of 28 October 2026, moving the capital into the ‘poor’ pollution bracket. The same day, nearby cities of Meerut, Noida and Ghaziabad also recorded ‘poor’ AQI readings, while Panipat fell into the ‘very poor’ range. On 27 October, the capital’s AQI was 197 in the late afternoon, a moderate level that followed a reading of 174 on 26 October. The Central Pollution Control Board’s daily bulletin treats these figures as the official daily index, with higher numbers signalling deteriorating air quality. The government’s Air Quality Early Warning System predicts the city will stay in the ‘poor’ band on 28 October but improve to ‘moderate’ on 29 and 30 October, after which the index may swing between moderate and poor for the next six days. Experts note that winter conditions in the Indo‑Gangetic Plains—slower winds and falling temperatures—tend to trap pollutants near the ground. Added to this are seasonal contributors such as crop‑stubble burning in October‑November and firecracker use during festivals, which compound emissions from traffic and dust. Authorities expect a modest improvement in the coming two days, though residents are advised to remain cautious.

Context

Winter months in northern India often see a buildup of airborne particles because calm weather prevents their dispersion. Practices like burning agricultural residue and festive fireworks further raise pollutant levels, making air quality management a recurring challenge during this season.