Diwali Is Yet to Come But Delhi’s Pollution Is Already Raising Alarms

Delhi's AQI has more than doubled in three days, rising from 90 to 187 before winter arrives. Dry weather, sluggish winds and local emissions are worsening pollution across the national capital.

Post Published By: DN Bureau

Updated : 19 October 2026, 4:05 PM IST

Diwali Is Yet to Come, But Delhi's Pollution Is Already Raising Alarms (Img: Pinterest)

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality is deteriorating even before winter sets in, with the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) more than doubling in just three days. Dry weather, sluggish winds and rising pollution levels have raised concerns about the coming weeks, when unfavourable meteorological conditions typically make it harder for pollutants to disperse.

Delhi AQI Climbs From 90 to 187

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi's AQI increased from 90 on Friday to 159 on Saturday and 187 on Sunday. The situation was particularly alarming at ITO, where the AQI reportedly reached 430, placing the area in the severe pollution category.

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Several other locations also recorded elevated pollution levels. On Saturday, Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 348, followed by Mundka at 227 and Jahangirpuri at 212. Chandni Chowk recorded 188 while Vivek Vihar and Rohini reported 187 each.

The city's air quality is expected to deteriorate further with forecasts indicating a possible shift into the poor category as the week begins.

Why Is Delhi's Pollution Increasing?

The absence of rainfall and reduced wind speeds are contributing to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground. Vehicle emissions, road dust and construction activity continue to add to the pollution burden.

With the withdrawal of the monsoon, temperatures have also started falling across Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department reported a minimum temperature of 17.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 1.3 degrees below the seasonal normal.

As winter approaches, cooler temperatures, stagnant winds and a lower mixing height can further restrict the dispersion of pollutants. The absence of significant rainfall in the coming week could prolong the deteriorating conditions.

Government Highlights Improvement in Clean-Air Days

Despite the recent deterioration, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the capital had recorded 211 days of good, satisfactory or moderate air quality so far this year. He described this as the city's best performance since 2016, excluding the COVID-affected year 2020.

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Sirsa also said Delhi had recorded 79 days of poor, very poor or severe air quality during the corresponding period, compared with 168 days in 2016.

However, the recent surge in pollution underscores the challenge of sustaining cleaner air as seasonal weather conditions change.