On November 4, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 381, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks the sixth day of ‘very poor’ air quality in the national capital, where the AQI has consistently stayed above 300. An AQI reading of 400 or above signifies ‘severe’ conditions.
Other major metropolitan areas are also facing poor air quality. Mumbai recorded an AQI above 100 for the fifth straight day, while Hyderabad has seen its AQI exceed 100 for eight consecutive days. In contrast, Chennai had the cleanest air among the metros, with an AQI of 56, and Bengaluru reported an AQI of 69.
The deteriorating air quality has led to a significant spike in air purifier sales, with manufacturers reporting an increase of over 50% due to the worsening conditions. In Delhi-NCR, authorities have responded by fining over 54,000 vehicles and shutting down 56 construction sites to mitigate pollution.
While cities with an AQI above 300 have reached 14, marking the highest level since October, Gandhinagar saw an improvement, dropping to an AQI of 87—its first reading below 100 in 11 days. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan reported the worst air quality, with an AQI of 417.
On a positive note, 39 cities reported good air quality, with an AQI below 50, a significant increase compared to just 3% the day after Diwali. Madikeri in Karnataka topped the list with the best air quality, recording an AQI of 15.
Internationally, cities like New York, London, and Beijing reported much better air quality than many Indian cities, with AQIs of 29, 68, and 37, respectively.
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