UPDATED: Oct 21, 2026 16:18 IST
Air quality across Delhi NCR deteriorated into the poor category as winter approaches and the annual pollution season begins. According to an order from the Commission for Air Quality Management, Delhi's Air Quality Index surged from 179 in the moderate category on October 20 to 244 at 2:00 p.m. on October 21. Following the breach of the 200 threshold, CAQM invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan. Meteorological forecasts from the IMD and IITM indicate that poor air quality will persist due to declining temperatures, cold haze, low wind speeds, and reduced westerly disturbances. Local vehicular emissions and dust pollution continue to keep ambient air toxic right ahead of Diwali.
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