{
  "id": 15948702,
  "title": "Explained: Why Delhi air quality deteriorates in October",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/explained-why-delhi-air-quality-deteriorates-in-october",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T20:33:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/explained-why-delhi-air-quality-deteriorates-in-october-10931415/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly in October, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) peaking at 244 on Wednesday, the highest in 100 days. This spike was triggered by Dussehra celebrations and exacerbated by post-monsoon weather, vehicular emissions, and rising farm fires. The particulate matter levels soared, with PM10 peaking at 488 micrograms per cubic metre in Anand Vihar and PM2.5 reaching 305 micrograms per cubic metre in Punjabi Bagh, both exceeding safe standards. The AQI rose from 179 on Tuesday to 244 on Wednesday, while neighboring cities like Noida and Gurugram recorded AQI levels of 281 and 220, respectively. Meteorological conditions, such as shallow atmospheric layers and temperature inversions, hindered the dispersion of pollutants during winter. Studies have shown that fireworks used during festive seasons contribute to a significant portion of particulate matter during this period. Furthermore, farm fires in neighboring states added to Delhi's pollution burden, with satellite data detecting 85 events across seven states on October 21 alone. Sunil Dahiya, a pollution analyst, attributed the rise in air pollution to the low-speed winds carrying smoke from farm fires towards the city. This increase in pollution is expected to continue as emissions from fireworks, regional sources, and within Delhi itself contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Delhi's AQI peaked at 244 on Wednesday, highest in 100 days",
    "Dussehra celebrations and post-monsoon weather exacerbated air quality",
    "Farm fires in neighboring states contributed to pollution burden"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}