Gurugram Grapples with Stubborn Air Pollution as AQI Hovers in 'Poor' Zone

As of November 5, 2025, Gurugram's air quality has continued to struggle, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the "poor" category for yet another day. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI stood at 219 at 4 PM on Tuesday, marking a slight improvement from Monday's reading of 235, but the city still battled hazy skies and lingering smog.

The air quality in Gurugram has fluctuated between "poor" and "very poor" categories since October 30, with the AQI reaching a concerning 357 on Sunday, classified as "very poor." Authorities have identified several hotspots, including Ardee City, Sector 56, Sushant Lok-III, and Ulawas Village, where PM2.5 and PM10 levels were alarmingly high.

In response to the persistent pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Manesar (MCM) has formed vigilance squads for night-time patrolling to crack down on industrial waste burning, a major contributor to the city's air woes. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has also deployed water sprinklers and manual road sweepers in the affected areas.

However, experts warn that these mitigation steps have limited effectiveness, as they primarily address road dust rather than the combustion-based particulate matter from vehicles and industries. Dr. Manoj Kumar, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), emphasizes the need for more comprehensive measures to address emission sources, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours when dispersion is weakest and enforcement is minimal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts slight rainfall in the region by Wednesday, which may provide temporary relief. However, the northeasterly winds are expected to persist, making pollutant dispersion difficult. As Gurugram continues to grapple with this air quality crisis, authorities and residents alike await more effective solutions to combat the persistent pollution.