Get ready for more bad air days in Delhi: Experts warn of longest severe air pollution period this year

Delhi's air quality is expected to get worse in the next few weeks, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has warned. The air quality in the national capital has deteriorating into the 'very poor' category in the past five days. Historically, data suggests that the first half of November is generally the most polluted period of the year, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 370 over the past five years, a TOI report stated.

Experts warn that with Diwali falling on November 12, the peak of farm fires, and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, Delhi residents are likely to experience multiple days of highly toxic air. Last year, Delhi recorded 11 'severe' air quality days in November, the highest since AQI measurements began in 2015. There is a high risk of similar severe air quality episodes occurring in mid-November this year.

Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), told TOI that there is a need for implementation of stringent measures outlined in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to manage air quality. She said that prevention of pollution is the only way to avoid smog episodes.


Gufran Beig, Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and founder of the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), highlighted the vulnerability of the period until November 15. According to Beig, the period from November 6 to 8 is expected to be the worst in terms of air quality. NIAS is developing a model using artificial intelligence to predict AQI based on factors such as fire counts and historical data. However, the AQI is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until November 15.

Beig emphasized the need for drastic measures to improve air quality throughout the region. While the measures outlined in GRAP need to be strictly enforced in Delhi, the impact of a western disturbance on the region during this period could also play a role. If the western disturbance brings rainfall, it could have a positive "wash out" effect on air quality. However, if it only brings moisture without rainfall, air quality may deteriorate further.