Delhi remains in the 'severe' air pollution category: AQI above 400, city ranked the most polluted in the world

Indicators remain in the 'severe' zone

Air quality in the Indian capital remained in the 'severe' category on Friday: according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), one monitoring station recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 488 out of 500 in the morning, while several others stayed above 400 by midday. The 'severe' category covers values from 401 to 500, meaning the city was at the upper end of the scale. Anadolu reports this citing official data.

Discrepancy in data and the week's background

The Swiss group IQAir rated Delhi's AQI at 186 the same day and nevertheless ranked it first among the world's most polluted cities. The outlet explains that Swiss and Indian figures usually diverge due to differences in methodology. In the morning, the city was shrouded in a thick layer of smog. Notably, the deterioration follows last week's record: Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali in five years, with an average AQI of 376.

Authorities' response and causes

Amid the worsening situation, Delhi authorities are preparing cloud seeding to combat pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the trials are 'ongoing' and are part of continuing research: authorities will announce how and when cloud seeding will be carried out and when it may lead to precipitation after positive results are obtained and the study is completed. According to him, the government is 'consistently implementing all necessary measures.' Thus, no specific timeline for intervention is known yet — this concerns trials within a study, not an adopted schedule. Pollution in Delhi traditionally worsens in winter, when farmers in neighboring states burn crop residue; coal-fired power plants, industry, and motor transport add to these emissions.