Delhi Air Quality Index Crosses 300 for First Time This Season

Delhi’s air quality entered the very poor category on Monday for the first time this winter season. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an Air Quality Index of 307 at 7 am on 2 November 2026. That figure marked a sharp rise from the 24-hour average of 261 the previous day and from 117 on Saturday after rain cleared the air.

Fifty-three of 58 monitoring stations with valid readings reported AQI levels above 200. Thirty-seven stations exceeded 300. Jahangirpuri recorded the highest reading at 417, placing that station in the severe category. Punjabi Bagh stood at 398, Rohini at 397, Alipur at 379 and Mundka at 376. Other high readings included Vivek Vihar at 374, Narela at 371 and R.K. Puram at 368. Tikri Kalan registered the lowest among reporting stations at 159.

The deterioration followed a short respite. Rain on Friday had brought the AQI down to 60, the cleanest October day in four years. By Sunday the average had climbed back into the poor range. The Air Quality Early Warning System had forecast that conditions would stay poor through 2 and 3 November before turning very poor on 4 November. The capital crossed that threshold a day earlier than expected.

Winter pollution controls took effect on 1 November. These include restrictions on construction dust, vehicle entry rules and other measures under the Graded Response Action Plan. Stage 2 of GRAP applies when the AQI enters the 301-400 range. The Commission for Air Quality Management decides when to invoke additional stages based on forecasts and measured levels. Stubble burning contributed 18.5 percent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday according to one monitoring system, while transport emissions accounted for 16.4 percent.

Noida also crossed 300. Several other cities in northern India recorded very poor or poor air quality on Monday morning. The early warning system expects Delhi’s air to remain poor to very poor for the next five to six days. Sensitive groups face higher risk of respiratory effects when the AQI sits between 301 and 400. Children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity.

Authorities have imposed fines and turned back vehicles in anti-pollution drives. Delhi authorities reported Rs 68.4 lakh in penalties on the first day of intensified checks targeting emissions, entry violations and construction dust. The city recorded its lowest October monthly average AQI in eight years at 166, yet the rebound on Monday shows how quickly conditions can reverse once rain ends and stagnant weather returns.

The pattern matches previous winters. After Diwali and the onset of cooler temperatures, mixing heights drop and pollutants concentrate near the surface. Crop residue burning in neighbouring states adds particles that travel into the capital. Local sources such as vehicles and industry continue to contribute year-round. The current readings place large parts of Delhi in a category where health effects are likely for the general population and more severe for vulnerable groups.

Officials have not announced further emergency measures beyond those already activated. Monitoring continues at 58 stations across the capital. The 4 pm bulletin will provide the official 24-hour average for 2 November. Until then the morning figures show the city has already crossed the threshold that triggers tighter controls.