Delhi Ranked Sixth Most Polluted City in India for October 2025
In October 2025, Delhi experienced a significant decline in air quality, placing it sixth among the most polluted cities in India. Dharuhera, Haryana, topped the list as the most polluted city. Delhi's PM2.5 levels rose alarmingly, exacerbating the air quality crisis particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the National Capital Region, with pollution levels reaching 'poor' to 'very poor' categories for much of the month.
During October 2025, Delhi saw a notable deterioration in air quality, ranked as the sixth most polluted city in India, while Dharuhera in Haryana was the worst affected. The pollution surge was marked by significant increases in particulate matter (PM2.5), largely influenced by regional factors common to the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the National Capital Region. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicated the average AQI for Delhi hovered at 224, categorizing it as 'poor,' although rainfall during the month helped somewhat limit worse conditions. After mid-October, pollution levels worsened, reaching 'very poor' and even 'severe' levels on several days, influenced by dry weather, increased emissions, and events like Diwali contributing to the spike. These conditions reflect a continuing trend of air quality issues in northern India’s urban and surrounding rural areas during post-monsoon months. Health advisories were issued instructing residents to minimize outdoor activities due to hazardous air quality in several cities of the region. The persistent pollution challenges underscore ongoing environmental and public health concerns in Delhi and its neighboring locales within the broader Indo-Gangetic Plain.
