States » NorthPosted at: Nov 7 2026 10:08AM


Haryana's Panchgaon tops India's pollution chart with AQI of 426 as GRAP-III curbs take effect

Chandigarh, Nov 7 (UNI) Haryana's Panchgaon emerged as India's most polluted location on Friday, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426, as worsening air quality prompted authorities to enforce stricter restrictions on vehicles, construction and other pollution-generating activities across Delhi-NCR.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) November 6 daily air quality bulletin, Panchgaon in Gurugram district recorded the highest AQI among 278 monitored cities and locations, placing it in the severe category.
Gajraula in Uttar Pradesh ranked second with an AQI of 407, followed by Haryana's Ballabhgarh at 397. Delhi recorded 382, while Gurugram and Bhiwani registered 368 and 353, respectively.
Four Haryana locations, Panchgaon, Ballabhgarh, Gurugram and Bhiwani, figured among the country's 10 most polluted places, highlighting the deterioration in air quality across the state.
The pollution levels in Panchgaon and Ballabhgarh were higher than those recorded in the national capital.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on November 6, imposing additional restrictions to prevent further deterioration.
The measures supplement the restrictions already operating under Stages I and II.
Under the revised framework, restrictions apply to dust-generating construction and demolition activities, while certain essential infrastructure projects are exempt subject to prescribed safeguards.
Mining operations and stone-crushing activities are also prohibited under Stage III.
The restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers extend to Delhi and the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar, subject to specified exemptions.
The inclusion of Sonipat follows revisions approved by CAQM in September 2026.
The restrictions are expected to affect motorists using older vehicles, construction contractors and businesses operating in the affected districts.
Schools across Delhi-NCR are required to provide hybrid learning arrangements for students up to Class V, allowing children to attend classes online where facilities are available.
Separately, CAQM has issued precautionary directions for the November 5-20 period, including restrictions on dust-generating construction activities and measures to reduce physical attendance in offices in specified NCR districts.
The measures cover Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat, among other designated areas, with exemptions for essential services and activities where remote working is impractical.
The CPCB classifies AQI readings between 301 and 400 as "very poor" and those between 401 and 500 as "severe".
According to the pollution watchdog's health advisory, very poor air quality can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure, while severe pollution can affect healthy people and seriously aggravate existing diseases.
The latest readings underline the scale of the air pollution challenge facing Haryana, particularly in the densely populated and industrialised districts adjoining Delhi.
Authorities are expected to intensify enforcement of vehicle restrictions, dust-control measures and other pollution-mitigation directions while Stage III remains in force.
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