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Delhi's AQI Worsens: Capital Records Worst October Start Since 2020 Amid Rising Pollution
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News18•05-10-2026, 12:28
Delhi's AQI Worsens: Capital Records Worst October Start Since 2020 Amid Rising Pollution
- •Delhi's air quality deteriorated for the fifth consecutive day, with the AQI reaching 179 on Monday, marking the worst October start since 2020.
- •PM10 emerged as the dominant pollutant, stemming from sources like road dust, construction, and biomass burning.
- •Mundka recorded Delhi's highest AQI at 273, falling into the 'poor' category, while Delhi Cantonment had the lowest at 97 ('satisfactory').
- •The deterioration is attributed to reduced rainfall, weaker winds, local emissions, and the upcoming stubble burning season.
- •Weather experts express concern that the active El Niño pattern could affect Western Disturbances, potentially reducing rain and worsening pollution, though temporary relief from rain is possible.
Key Questions Answered
Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index of 174.5 for the first four days of October 2026, marking the capital's worst start to October since 2020.
Mundka recorded Delhi's highest air quality index at 273, placing it in the 'poor' category.
The immediate deterioration is linked to reduced rainfall, weaker pollutant dispersion, local and regional emissions, road dust, and construction waste, alongside potential impacts from El Niño and upcoming crop-residue burning.
