AQI News:  With the ongoing low air quality crisis in north India, New Delhi's air quality has improved somewhat, falling from 'severe' to 'very poor' with an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 379 on Thursday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite this slight progress, the capital region and several other cities in North India continue to face dangerously high pollution levels following the festival season and the arrival of winter.

During the festive season in October and the arrival of the winter season, major cities across North Indian states are currently struggling with extreme air pollution levels, with several reporting alarming AQI readings classed as "severe" or "very poor."

Environment Minister Gopal Rai issued a letter to the central government on Wednesday, November 19, requesting permission to make use of artificial rain in the capital region to address and overcome the serious air quality situation in Delhi NCR.

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Surprisingly, while many cities in the nation have hazardous air pollution, numerous other places in India have substantially cleaner air, with some good AQI levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced a list of India's Top 10 Cleanest Cities with the Best AQI in 2024 (November 2024).

Delhi Air Quality

 

In particular, northern Indian cities like Aizawl and Shillong benefit from their elevated terrain and lush flora, which effectively filter toxins out of the air.