EnvironmentMonday, 2 November 2026·The Hindu - National
Delhi AQI hits 310 ‘very poor’ as CPCB warns of 5–6 days of poor-to-very poor air
On 2 November 2026, Delhi’s 24-hour AQI rose to 310 and CPCB said air quality may stay poor to very poor for 5–6 days.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 2 November 2026, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 310, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the air may remain ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ for about 5 to 6 days.
Key specifics
- Delhi’s AQI was 310 at 8 a.m. on 2 November 2026, according to CPCB data.
- The AQI had risen from 117 (moderate) on Saturday to 261 (poor) at 4 p.m. on Sunday before reaching 310.
- Other north Indian places named in the report include Noida, Kaithal and Hapur, all in the ‘very poor’ category.
- The Central government’s ‘Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi’ projected poor-to-very poor air for 5 to 6 days.
- Winter pollution in Delhi-NCR is linked in the report to lower wind speeds, temperature drop, stubble burning and firecrackers.
Exam lens
TNPSC Environment and current affairs question type: AQI-based match-the-following, CPCB data, Delhi-NCR pollution causes, and the 5–6 day forecast under the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.