Delhi air quality has deteriorated sharply in October with the city average Air Quality Index (AQI) more than doubling as the winter pollution season gets underway.
The rise comes as changing weather conditions, lower wind speeds and increased atmospheric stability begin to trap pollutants closer to the ground. The government has also introduced a new winter pollution protocol aimed at strengthening monitoring and enforcement.
However, Delhi is not the only city witnessing a significant deterioration in air quality. Several cities across the National Capital Region and other parts of north India also experience worsening pollution during the post monsoon and winter months.
The seasonal increase is linked to a combination of local emissions from vehicles, road and construction dust, industrial activity and waste burning, along with regional pollution transported into the capital.
Authorities are expected to intensify measures as winter approaches with greater focus on emission sources and enforcement to prevent further deterioration in air quality.