Air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 216, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS). A layer of haze covered several parts of the national capital in the morning, reducing visibility in some areas. Ghaziabad and Noida also recorded poor air quality, while Gurugram reported conditions in the ‘unhealthy’ category. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as poor. Delhi’s air quality had been in the ‘moderate’ category on Tuesday, with an AQI of 179. The forecast indicated that pollution levels could remain in the poor category until October 23.

Clear Skies Expected as Temperatures Remain Warm
Delhi is unlikely to receive rainfall over the coming week, with mainly clear skies forecast for October 21, 22 and 23. Partly cloudy conditions are expected on October 24 and 25. On October 21 and 22, maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 32°C and 34°C, while minimum temperatures may range from 18°C to 20°C. For October 23 and 24, daytime temperatures are forecast to reach 33°C to 35°C, with minimum temperatures expected to remain between 18°C and 20°C. With no significant rainfall expected, weather conditions may offer little relief from the worsening air quality in the short term.

Delhi Government Announces Measures to Control Winter Pollution
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s winter action plan includes several steps to reduce pollution between November 1 and February 28. Under the proposed ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, petrol pumps will not provide fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras are expected to help authorities enforce the rule. The government has also announced restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards, from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. CNG and electric vehicles will be exempt from this restriction.

The plan also includes measures to reduce dust from construction sites. Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction work will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, while a complete ban on construction and demolition activities is planned from December 10 to January 20. The government has additionally proposed a 50 per cent work-from-home arrangement for offices as part of its broader effort to reduce pollution during the winter months.