Delhi and surrounding cities report highest pollution levels in four years

New data shows that all ten of India's most polluted cities in October were in the Delhi-National Capital Region. Delhi had the highest average PM2.5 concentration at 111 micrograms per cubic meter, followed closely by Ghaziabad and Muzaffarnagar. This year, Uttar Pradesh had six cities in the top ten, while Haryana had three. All ten cities exceeded the national air quality standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter and the WHO guideline of 15 micrograms. Delhi's pollution levels in October were the highest in four years, rising from 104 micrograms in 2023. The city experienced 'very poor' air quality on 14 days, with acceptable levels recorded on only five days.