Home / Environment / Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Plummets to Very Poor
Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Plummets to Very Poor
15 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality hit 367, placing it in the very poor range.
- Very light rain unlikely to clear pollutants; may worsen air quality.
- Biomass burning is the dominant source, followed by secondary aerosols.
As of November 15, 2026, Delhi's air quality has plunged into the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 367. A pervasive grey haze has settled over the city, with 17 monitoring stations reporting 'severe' air quality. Despite a forecast for very light rain, experts believe this will offer no significant respite from the dangerous pollution levels.
Light rainfall in winter is insufficient to cleanse the atmosphere; in fact, it can exacerbate air quality by increasing moisture content, facilitating chemical reactions that create secondary aerosols. Sustained and intense rainfall is required to effectively wash out winter pollutants. The air quality is expected to persist in the 'very poor' range until at least Tuesday, November 18, 2026.
Biomass burning, encompassing stubble burning and domestic fuel use, has emerged as the predominant source of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution. It accounts for over 25% of the particulate matter, followed by secondary organic aerosols and vehicular emissions. Other contributing factors include mixed combustion, secondary inorganic aerosols, and waste burning.
