Air pollution in Delhi exceeds WHO limits by 50 times
Pollutant levels in areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar spiked on Sunday night as residents burst firecrackers past the permitted deadline.
Air pollution levels in parts of Delhi rose to more than 50 times the World Health Organisation (WHO) limits on Sunday night, November 8, 2026. According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reported by The Hindu, the spike occurred as people burst firecrackers after the 10 p.m. Supreme Court deadline.
In Akshardham, the concentration of PM2.5 reached 760.99 micrograms per cubic meter at 11 p.m. This figure is approximately 50.73 times the WHO 24-hour permissible threshold of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
Anand Vihar recorded a PM2.5 level of 767 micrograms per cubic meter at 11 p.m., which is about 51.13 times the WHO limit. At Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the level was 702 micrograms per cubic meter, or roughly 46.8 times the WHO standard.
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and other diseases. The pollution spike in the city is influenced by seasonal factors like lower temperatures and wind speeds, alongside stubble burning and festive firecrackers.