Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Smog as Air Quality Deteriorates

As of October 29, 2025, Delhi's air quality has taken a concerning turn for the worse. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 279 on Wednesday, a slight improvement from 294 the previous day. However, the AQI was still in the "very poor" category, with several parts of the national capital recording some of the highest pollution levels.

Nineteen out of the city's 38 monitoring stations reported AQI readings above 300, which is considered "very poor." Wazirpur (347), Vivek Vihar (339), Rohini (337), and Anand Vihar (331) were among the areas with the most severe air pollution. The CPCB classifies an AQI between 301 and 400 as "very poor," indicating a high risk of respiratory problems and other health issues for residents.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that the city's air quality will remain in the "poor" category until October 31 and may even deteriorate to "very poor" levels on November 1. The outlook for the subsequent six days suggests that the air quality is likely to fluctuate between the "poor" and "very poor" categories, posing a continued threat to the well-being of Delhi's residents.