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Delhi Air Quality Hits 15-Week High as Experts Cite Seasonal Shifts
28 Sep
Summary
- Delhi's air quality index reaches 169, a 15-week high
- Experts say fluctuations are normal in this season
- Supreme Court bans sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR
On September 28, 2025, Delhi experienced a significant decline in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a 15-week high of 169. This spike in pollution levels comes after a relatively long stretch of cleaner air days in the national capital.
According to experts, such fluctuations in air quality are normal during this time of the year. Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment explained that the post-monsoon season often sees a lot of variation in meteorological conditions, which can cause sudden spikes in pollution. Mahesh Palawat, the vice president of Skymet, attributed the latest spike to a change in wind direction from dry westerlies to more humid easterlies, which pulled in dust and smoke, increasing the pollution levels.
While the AQI improved to 155 by 11 PM on the same day, the national capital is bracing for more high-pollution days as the stubble burning season in neighboring states like Punjab approaches. In a related development, the Supreme Court has banned the sale of any crackers, including green crackers, in Delhi-NCR ahead of the Diwali festival. However, the court has allowed certified manufacturers of green crackers to continue their production, though they cannot be sold in the National Capital Region.
