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Delhi AQI: Air quality deteriorates to 'very poor', cloud seeding planned
ET Online | October 26, 2025 12:20 PM CST

Synopsis

Delhi AQI Today: Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to a 'very poor' category. Authorities have kept Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan in effect. Truck-mounted water sprinklers are being used to combat pollution. Cloud seeding is being considered as a potential solution. Health experts warn of serious health impacts from the rising pollution levels.

Delhi AQI today
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi worsened on Sunday morning, reaching the 'very poor' category, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported. On Saturday, AQI levels were under the 'poor' category, with Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) already in effect across Delhi-NCR.

According to CPCB data, AQI in Lodhi Road was recorded at 287, while India Gate and surrounding areas recorded 325, both in the 'very poor' range. Areas around Ashram and Maharani Bagh also saw AQI levels in the same category.

Delhi AQI Today: Measures to tackle pollution

Truck-mounted water sprinklers were deployed on Lodhi Road to reduce particulate matter as air quality remained poor across multiple areas.


Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted cloud seeding as a potential solution to Delhi’s environmental challenges. Speaking to ANI, she said, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem."

Also Read: Heavy Rain Alert In Gujarat

She added, "So the blessings of the people of Delhi are with the government, and we feel that this will be a successful experiment, and in future, we will be able to overcome these environmental problems."

Delhi Air Pollution: Health concerns rise

Former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria warned residents about the health impacts of rising pollution levels. "The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, cough, and worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD," he said.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha Updates

Dr Guleria added, "Even healthy individuals are reporting symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, throat pain, chest tightness, and coughing. The inflammation and narrowing of airways caused by pollutants are contributing to these issues. Additionally, the use of crackers, despite permissions for 'green crackers,' has exacerbated air pollution."

Delhi Cloud Seeding Trial

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa indicated that clouds are expected over the city from October 28 to 30. He added that the Delhi government is ready with physical trials and permissions to induce artificial rain on October 29.

Stage II of GRAP continues to be in effect as authorities monitor air quality across the national capital and surrounding regions.

(Inputs from ANI)


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