Delhi Weather Remains Clear; Several Areas Record Poor AQI

Delhi’s overall air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Monday, although several parts of the national capital recorded ‘poor’ pollution levels, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Several monitoring stations reported elevated AQI levels, with Mundka, Alipur, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, CRRI Mathura Road, Okhla Phase-2 and Punjabi Bagh among the areas recording poor air quality.

The Delhi Cantonment area recorded the lowest AQI and remained in the ‘satisfactory’ category.

Of the 43 operational monitoring stations, 14 recorded AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category in the 4 PM bulletin. Mundka reported the highest AQI at 273, followed by CRRI Mathura Road and Narela at 257 each, while Jahangirpuri recorded 237.

Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season on Sunday, when the average AQI reached 187, placing it towards the higher end of the moderate category.

The deterioration follows a brief spell of cleaner air when rainfall and strong winds helped disperse pollutants. However, weaker winds, dry conditions and local emissions have now contributed to a fresh rise in pollution.

PM10, which includes coarse and inhalable particles from road dust, construction and biomass burning, has emerged as one of the major pollutants during the recent deterioration.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has also identified PM2.5 as a key pollutant affecting Delhi’s air, particularly during winter.

Delhi recorded a polluted start to October, with the average AQI at 174.5 in the first four days of 2026, compared with 119.75 in 2025, 167.25 in 2024 and 155 in 2023.

Air quality typically worsens from mid-September due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, industry and biomass burning. Firecrackers can further raise pollution during festivals.

Under CPCB norms, AQI of 101-200 is moderate, while 201-300 is poor.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Sees Mild Chill After Monsoon Withdrawal; AQI Remains Moderate