In October, air pollution surged across northern India, especially in the Delhi-NCR region.

Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 223–224, marking its second-worst October in five years despite above-normal rainfall.

Meanwhile Dharuhera in Haryana emerged as the country’s most polluted city last month, with average PM2.5 levels near 129 µg/m³, over twice India’s standard and nearly eight times the World Health Organization guideline.

Experts point to local sources like vehicle emissions, industry, construction dust and waste burning—rather than crop-stubble fires—as key drivers.

With winter setting in, pollution is expected to persist without broader year-round measures.