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Weather
Delhi's AQI spikes to 229 as 23 Indian cities record poor air quality
✍️ The Financial Express
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 07:36 AM
👁 13
The Air Quality Index in Delhi surged to 229, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, while 23 cities across India reported similarly poor air quality levels, according to the latest data.
The latest air‑quality monitoring released by the Ministry of Environment shows Delhi's AQI climbing to 229, a level classified as ‘poor’ and well above the safe threshold. The sharp rise follows a week of stagnant weather and increased vehicular emissions, intensifying particulate matter concentrations across the capital.
In addition to Delhi, data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicates that 23 Indian cities are now recording AQI values in the poor range, reflecting a broader seasonal deterioration in air quality. Cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur and Patna feature prominently among the affected locations.
Health officials have issued advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use masks when venturing outside. The government is monitoring the situation closely and may activate emergency measures if pollution levels continue to rise.
Experts attribute the spike to a combination of factors, including low wind speeds, crop‑burning in neighboring states, and a surge in construction dust. Authorities are expected to enforce stricter emission controls and promote public‑transport usage in the coming days.
In addition to Delhi, data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicates that 23 Indian cities are now recording AQI values in the poor range, reflecting a broader seasonal deterioration in air quality. Cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur and Patna feature prominently among the affected locations.
Health officials have issued advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use masks when venturing outside. The government is monitoring the situation closely and may activate emergency measures if pollution levels continue to rise.
Experts attribute the spike to a combination of factors, including low wind speeds, crop‑burning in neighboring states, and a surge in construction dust. Authorities are expected to enforce stricter emission controls and promote public‑transport usage in the coming days.