States » NorthPosted at: Oct 21 2026 11:07PM


Air pollution grips Delhi-NCR; Khora records 'very poor' AQI of 317, Delhi at 245, Gurugram 216

Panchkula, Oct 21 (UNI) Air quality remained 'poor' across much of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday, with Khora in Ghaziabad district recording the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) of 317 in the 'very poor' category, while Delhi registered 245, Greater Noida 280, Noida 249 and Gurugram 216, according to the NCR air quality bulletin.
The bulletin, issued at 4 pm, based on average air quality readings over the preceding 24 hours, showed that 17 of the 31 monitored cities and towns recorded 'poor' air quality, while Khora was the only location in the 'very poor' category.
Among the worst-affected locations were Baraut (288), Hapur (258), Khurja and Muzaffarnagar (257 each), Baghpat (254), Charkhi Dadri (248) and Bhiwadi (244).
In Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad and Meerut recorded an AQI of 223 each, Bulandshahr 204 and Noida 249. Delhi's AQI stood at 245, with PM2.5 and PM10 identified as prominent pollutants.
In Haryana, Manesar recorded an AQI of 244, followed by Ballabgarh and Gurugram at 216 each, Bahadurgarh at 205 and Charkhi Dadri at 248, all falling in the 'poor' category.
However, several towns in Haryana recorded comparatively better air quality. Karnal registered an AQI of 199, Jind and Panipat 192 each, Rohtak 182, Narnaul 168, Kurukshetra 139, Bhiwani 129, Faridabad 123 and Dharuhera 113, all in the 'moderate' category.
Sonipat, with an AQI of 64, and Palwal, at 73, were among the least polluted locations covered in the bulletin, both recording 'satisfactory' air quality. In Rajasthan, Alwar recorded a 'moderate' AQI of 105 and Bharatpur 176, while Bhiwadi remained in the 'poor' category at 244.
PM2.5 emerged as the predominant pollutant across most locations, while PM10 was the main pollutant in Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal, Narnaul, and Bharatpur.
According to the health impact classifications accompanying the bulletin, 'poor' air quality can cause breathing discomfort to most people during prolonged exposure, while 'very poor' conditions can lead to respiratory illness.
The bulletin also cautioned that even 'moderate' air quality could cause breathing discomfort among people with lung diseases, asthma, and heart ailments.
The readings represent the average air quality over the preceding 24 hours as reported at 4 pm on October 21.
UNI KK RN
Tags: #Air pollution grips Delhi-NCR; Khora records 'very poor' AQI of 317# Delhi at 245# Gurugram 216
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