AQI Update: As Temperatures Drop, 10 Most Polluted Cities Identified, What’s Delhi’s Air Quality?

As winter approaches, the air quality in several Indian cities is deteriorating, with pollution levels rising across the country. Apart from metro cities, many smaller cities are also experiencing a significant decline in air quality. While some improvement was seen last week, the situation has worsened again, particularly in northern and eastern states like Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Most cities in these regions have recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the "poor" to "very poor" categories.

Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in India

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city of Kaithal in Haryana recorded the worst AQI yesterday at 320, placing it in the "very poor" category. This was followed by Delhi at 292, Panipat at 283, and Hajipur at 281. Other cities, including Greater Noida (264), Ghaziabad (258), Sonipat (246), and Faridabad (242), also reported poor air quality. In cities like Singrauli (237), Meerut (223), Patna (222), Hapur (213), Gurugram (204), and Muzaffarnagar (204), the AQI remains significantly high, indicating worsening air quality as winter approaches. The situation is expected to become more severe in the coming days as pollution levels rise further.

Delhi-NCR Faces Cold Mornings and Rising Pollution

In Delhi-NCR, residents are beginning to feel the chill during the early mornings and evenings, though daytime heat persists due to the sun. With each passing day, the air in the region is becoming increasingly toxic. According to the CPCB, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 292 on Friday and 252 on Saturday morning. Thirteen areas in the capital have been identified as pollution hotspots. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh is also beginning to feel the onset of winter.

Cold Weather to Set In Soon in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold weather is expected to settle in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh before Diwali and Chhath Puja. The weather is expected to remain clear, with no rain forecasted. With falling temperatures, people have started turning off their air conditioners and coolers, and even ceiling fans are running at lower speeds. The intense humidity and heat are giving way to cooler conditions, and further drops in temperature are anticipated in the coming days.