Anatomy of October smog episode in Delhi and National Capital region

November 02, 2023

On 2 November, 2023, PM2.5 concentration in Delhi crossed 313µg/m3 that is equivalent to “severe+” level as per the Air Quality Index concentration range. This first spike of this winter season was a sudden escalation and a staggering increase of 68 per cent within 24 hours.

This has emerged from the latest analysis of the Urban Lab at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)..

This winter season has started with a much higher pollution level compared to the previous November. The combination of adverse meteorological conditions, onset of crop residue burning, and high local pollution has tilted the scale dangerously increasing public health risk.