Panchgaon tops the pollution rankings with an AQI of 365, Delhi ranks eleventh | Today’s news
Haryana’s Panchgaon recorded the highest pollution level among the listed cities with an average air quality index (AQI) of 365 at 7:05 am on Tuesday. According to SAMEER, the official mobile application developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the figure has been categorized as “very poor”.
Kaithal in Haryana ranked second with an AQI of 355, followed by Anpara and Baraut in Uttar Pradesh at 336 and 330, respectively. Khora in Uttar Pradesh recorded an AQI of 329, while Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh recorded 327. Both were in the “very poor” category.
Gurugram in Haryana recorded an AQI of 321. Noida and Faridabad registered 313 each, while Bahadurgarh in Haryana recorded 310. Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab had an AQI of 309. New Delhi and Charkhi Dadri recorded 307 each, placing 11th on the list.
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Panchgaon in Haryana recorded an AQI of 365 at 7:05 am on Tuesday, the highest among the listed cities. It was classified as “very poor” air quality.
According to the CPCB classification, AQI values from 301 to 400 are “very poor”. Long-term exposure at these levels is associated with respiratory disease, even in healthy people.
New Delhi and Charkhi Dadri each recorded an AQI of 307, ranking 11th on the list. Several locations in Delhi had values above 350.
Tier 3 bans BS-III petrol engines and BS-IV diesel engines or older four-wheelers in Delhi and specific NCR districts, and bans dust-generating construction and demolition across NCR. It also restricts some older commercial vehicles and trucks.
The CPCB classifies AQI values from 401 to 500 as “severe”. At these levels, even healthy people can experience respiratory effects, while people with existing health problems can face more severe effects.
Several locations in Delhi also recorded AQI readings above 350 at 7:05 am on Tuesday, indicating very poor to severe air quality. Areas with high pollution levels included Aya Nagar (354), Burari Crossing (360), Chandni Chowk (395), Commonwealth Sports Complex (380), CRRI Mathura Road (369), IIT Delhi (364), JNU (369), North Campus, Delhi University (372), NSUT Puhpur (352), Pun Jaffar (358). (395), Siri Fort (371) and Talkatora Garden (372).
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The concentration of highly polluted cities in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Delhi highlights the growing problem of air quality in northern India. The rise in pollution levels has renewed concerns about air quality in the region and the need for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.
AQI category
According to the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 falls under the “good” category, which means minimal impact on health. A value between 51 and 100 is classified as “satisfactory”, while an AQI of 101-200 falls into the “moderate” category.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is categorized as “poor”, which can cause breathing difficulties for people with prolonged exposure, especially those with respiratory problems. Another category, “very bad,” includes values between 301 and 400 and is associated with respiratory disease with long-term exposure, even in healthy people.
The highest category, “severe,” refers to AQI levels between 401 and 500. At these pollution levels, even healthy people can experience respiratory effects, while those with existing medical conditions may face more severe effects.
“The situation across the NCR is grim. Pollution levels have skyrocketed, leading to a spike in patients coming to OPDs and emergency rooms with severe breathing problems, constant coughing, tearing and bronchospasm-induced chest pains. It’s not just the vulnerable groups – even individuals with no previous history of breathing problems suffer, while young children and patients with asthma or interstitial disease suffer,” said Dr. Beaver. senior consultant pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram.
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GRAP curbs
Phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently active in Delhi-NCR, along with special rules for vehicles and dust, which will be implemented from November 1, 2026.
Under the third phase of GRAP, which was introduced on Friday, entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or light motor vehicles with lower emission norms (LMVs, four-wheelers) is banned in Delhi and in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts.
Dust-generating construction and demolition activities are also prohibited throughout the NCR. Additionally, Delhi-registered commercial diesel vehicles and medium trucks with BS-IV emission norms and below are banned from plying. Similar medium and light trucks registered outside Delhi are completely banned from entering the capital.
A GRAP is a set of emergency measures designed to prevent further deterioration of air quality once pollution levels exceed specified thresholds.
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