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Health
Delhi’s AQI hits ‘very poor’ level of 367 as rain fails to clear haze
✍️ TOI City
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 07:42 AM
👁 22
The capital recorded an AQI of 367 on Saturday, with hotspots like IIT‑Delhi and Delhi University exceeding 430, as vehicle emissions and biomass burning drive the pollution.
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ bracket on Saturday, registering a city‑wide value of 367, according to the state pollution control board. The reading places the capital well above the national safe limit and signals a severe health risk for residents.
Monitoring stations at IIT‑Delhi and Delhi University reported even higher figures, with AQI levels climbing to 439 and 432 respectively. These hotspots reflect localized concentrations of pollutants that exceed the city average.
Experts attribute the spike to a combination of biomass burning in surrounding regions and continuous emissions from the city’s dense vehicular traffic. While a light drizzle was forecast, specialists warned that such precipitation is unlikely to produce a noticeable drop in particulate matter.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, and to use masks when venturing outside.
Monitoring stations at IIT‑Delhi and Delhi University reported even higher figures, with AQI levels climbing to 439 and 432 respectively. These hotspots reflect localized concentrations of pollutants that exceed the city average.
Experts attribute the spike to a combination of biomass burning in surrounding regions and continuous emissions from the city’s dense vehicular traffic. While a light drizzle was forecast, specialists warned that such precipitation is unlikely to produce a noticeable drop in particulate matter.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, and to use masks when venturing outside.