Delhi-NCR Wakes Up to Haze as Air Quality Set to Remain Poor Until October 23

October 21, 2026

Delhi-NCR: A layer of haze covered parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday morning as concerns grew over worsening air quality ahead of the winter pollution season. The latest forecast suggests that Delhi’s air quality could remain in the poor category until October 23.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), pollution levels in the capital are expected to deteriorate. Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 179 on Tuesday, placing it in the moderate category. The forecast points to a possible shift into the poor category.

The haze comes at a time when pollution from vehicles, construction work and crop-residue burning can add to the seasonal problem. Weather conditions also play an important role, as weak winds can prevent pollutants from dispersing.

Crop Residue Burning Adds to Seasonal Pollution Risk

Crop-residue burning is one of the sources that can affect air quality in Delhi during this period. Farmers burn leftover stubble to clear their fields before planting the next crop.

According to the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 19 crop-residue burning incidents were recorded across six monitored states earlier this month. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh reported seven incidents each. Madhya Pradesh recorded four, while Haryana reported one.

Smoke from farm fires in neighbouring states, including Punjab and Haryana, can travel towards Delhi. However, the extent of its impact depends on wind direction, wind speed and other weather conditions.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI readings of 0–50 as good, 51–100 as satisfactory, 101–200 as moderate, 201–300 as poor, 301–400 as very poor and 401–500 as severe.

Delhi last recorded poor air quality on July 13, when its AQI reached 246.

Delhi Records Below-Normal Temperatures

Temperatures at several weather stations in Delhi remained below normal.

At Safdarjung, the capital’s main meteorological station, the maximum temperature was 31.8 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature settled at 17.7 degrees Celsius, also below the seasonal average.

Palam recorded a maximum of 29.3 degrees Celsius, which was 3.5 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature there was 17.3 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees below normal.

At Lodhi Road, the maximum temperature reached 31.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum stood at 17 degrees Celsius, in line with the seasonal average.

The weather department has forecast no rainfall over the coming week. Skies are expected to remain mainly clear on October 21, 22 and 23, with partly cloudy conditions likely on October 24 and 25. Without rain, pollutants may remain in the air, depending on wind and other weather conditions.

Delhi Government Announces Winter Pollution Plan

The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to tackle pollution during the winter season. The seasonal action plan is scheduled to remain in force from November 1 to February 28.

One of the key measures is the “No PUCC, No Fuel” policy. Under this rule, petrol pumps will not be allowed to provide fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will also be used to strengthen monitoring at fuel stations.

The government has also announced restrictions on vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. These restrictions are scheduled to run from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. CNG and electric vehicles will be exempt.

Construction work will face further restrictions. Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities are scheduled to be prohibited from November 1 to January 31. A complete ban on construction and demolition work is planned from December 10 to January 20.

The plan also proposes a 50 per cent work-from-home arrangement for offices to help reduce traffic and vehicle emissions.

As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality will depend on several factors, including vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, crop-residue burning and weather conditions. The coming weeks will show how air quality develops and how effectively the announced measures help limit pollution.