Delhi has recorded its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) for October in eight years, offering some relief to residents ahead of the winter pollution season. According to the Union Environment Ministry, the national capital registered an average AQI of 166 in October 2026, significantly lower than the levels recorded during the same month in previous years.
However, despite the improvement, authorities are introducing stricter pollution-control measures across Delhi-NCR. Government and private offices have been directed to operate with only 50 per cent of their workforce physically present, while the remaining employees will work from home.
The measures are aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, traffic congestion and other pollution sources as winter approaches.
Delhi October AQI Falls To Eight-Year Low
According to data released by the Union Environment Ministry, Delhi’s average AQI in October 2026 stood at 166.
This is a considerable improvement compared with October figures recorded over the previous eight years.
Here is how Delhi’s October AQI has changed:
| Year | October Average AQI |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 166 |
| 2025 | 223 |
| 2024 | 234 |
| 2023 | 219 |
| 2022 | 210 |
| 2021 | 173 |
| 2020 | 265 |
| 2019 | 234 |
| 2018 | 269 |
The latest figures indicate that October 2026 recorded the lowest monthly average AQI since 2018.
Delhi Records 220 Good To Moderate Air Quality Days
The improvement is also visible in the number of days with relatively better air quality.
Between January and October 2026, Delhi recorded 220 days when the daily average AQI remained below 200, placing air quality in the Good to Moderate categories.
In comparison, the national capital recorded 200 such days in 2025, 201 in 2024 and 206 in 2023.
The number of days falling into the Poor to Severe+ category, with AQI above 200, stood at 84 during the first ten months of 2026. This was lower than the 104 days recorded in both 2025 and 2024. <Cite refs={[“turn992093search0″,”turn992093search9”]}/>
Delhi-NCR Offices To Work With 50% Staff
Despite the improved October air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has introduced precautionary measures to control pollution during the winter months.
Under the new directions, government and private offices across Delhi-NCR will operate with a maximum of 50 per cent of their employees attending workplaces physically, while the remaining workforce will work remotely.
The order, issued on October 30, is intended to reduce daily commuting and vehicular emissions.
However, certain essential services and industrial establishments where remote working is not practical have been exempted from the arrangement.
Construction And Demolition Activities Face Restrictions
Construction dust remains a significant concern during Delhi’s winter pollution season.
As part of the preventive measures, outdoor construction and demolition activities have been restricted across Delhi-NCR from November 5 to November 20, subject to specified exemptions.
Essential infrastructure projects, including railway and metro works, airports, hospitals, water supply and sanitation projects, and national security-related construction, are among the exempted categories.
Authorities will monitor compliance and take action against violations.
Why Is Delhi Taking Precautions Despite Better AQI?
Delhi typically experiences worsening air quality during the winter months due to a combination of lower temperatures, reduced wind speeds, atmospheric conditions, vehicular emissions, construction dust and seasonal agricultural burning.
Although October’s average AQI of 166 represents a notable improvement, authorities are concerned that pollution levels could rise as winter progresses.
The preventive restrictions are intended to reduce pollution sources before air quality deteriorates further.
What Should Delhi Residents Know?
Residents and employees across Delhi-NCR should keep the following measures in mind:
- Government and private offices must follow the 50 per cent physical attendance arrangement, subject to exemptions.
- Employees should check their organisation’s work-from-home schedule.
- Construction agencies must follow the notified restrictions.
- Commuters should consider using public transport and carpooling.
- Residents should follow official pollution advisories and avoid activities that generate dust.
Delhi’s latest AQI figures offer encouraging news, but the coming winter months will remain important for the capital’s air quality. The effectiveness of the new restrictions and continued enforcement will play a significant role in determining whether the improvement can be sustained.
