Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India’s air quality deteriorated sharply in October 2025, according to a new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The analysis revealed that PM2.5 concentrations surged across most cities, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi recorded an alarming rise, ranking 6th most polluted city with an average PM2.5 level of 107 µg/m³, up from just 36 µg/m³ in September.
Dharuhera Records Highest Pollution Levels
Haryana’s Dharuhera topped the list of India’s most polluted cities in October, with PM2.5 levels averaging 123 µg/m³, exceeding national standards on 77% of the days. In contrast, no city in Punjab made it to the top ten, as most of the heavily polluted regions were located in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. CREA’s findings highlight a broad regional pattern where pollution intensified across northern India.
Drop in Clear Air Days and Health Implications
The number of cities recording ‘Good’ air quality plunged from 179 in September to just 68 in October. Although 212 of the 249 monitored cities reported PM2.5 levels below India’s national limit of 60 µg/m³, only six cities met the World Health Organization’s stricter guideline of 15 µg/m³. Experts warn that this sustained rise in pollution could significantly increase cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases across the region.
Need for Long-Term Solutions Beyond Seasonal Fixes
The report stresses that India’s worsening air quality is not merely a winter phenomenon but a reflection of persistently high baseline emissions. CREA calls for long-term emission-control strategies instead of short-term emergency responses like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Without addressing underlying sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, road dust, and domestic fuel use, seasonal curbs will have limited effect.
Steps for Citizens and Policymakers
Residents are advised to monitor local air-quality data, reduce outdoor exposure on high-pollution days, and adopt cleaner transport and fuels. Local governments are urged to expand air-quality monitoring, enforce emission standards, and develop year-round policies to cut PM2.5 emissions sustainably.
