Latest: Delhi's AQI: How Dussehra worsened it overnight

Delhi's AQI: How Dussehra worsened it overnight

Delhi's official AQI rose from 179 on October 20 to 244 on October 21 pushing air quality into the 039Poor039 category and prompting CAQM to impose GRAP Stage I across Delhi-NCR The rise followed Dussehra celebrations but its causes cannot be established from these readings alone

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated around Dussehra, with the official Air Quality Index (AQI) rising from 179 on October 20 to 244 at 2 pm on October 21, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The increase of 65 points pushed the reading from the moderate to the poor category, prompting authorities to impose Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SHOW?On October 20, Delhi recorded an AQI of 179 at 4 pm, placing it in the moderate category.

By 2 pm on October 21, the reading had risen to 244, entering the poor category.The increase of 65 points indicates a deterioration in air quality over the period. These figures are based on India’s national AQI scale, which differs from the US AQI scale used by some air-quality tracking platforms.

WHAT MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE?Firecrackers and effigy burning during Dussehra, stubble burning in neighbouring regions and weather conditions may affect pollution levels around this period.Weak winds can limit the dispersal of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate near the ground. However, the AQI figures alone cannot establish how much each source contributed to the increase.WHAT ABOUT GRAP?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), with immediate effect on October 21.Under India’s national AQI classification, Stage I applies to the poor category, covering AQI readings of 201–300. Stage II applies to the very poor category, covering readings of 301–400.CAQM said forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) indicated that air quality was likely to remain in the poor category over the coming days.HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?As pollution levels rise, a few precautions can help reduce exposure:Wear a well-fitting N95 mask outdoors when pollution levels are high.Move strenuous exercise indoors when air quality is poor.Use an air purifier indoors, if available.Take extra care with children, older adults and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions.Check reliable AQI updates before planning outdoor activities.Delhi’s AQI increase highlights how air quality can deteriorate over a short period.

Tracking pollution levels and limiting exposure when the air is polluted can help people make informed decisions.- Ends