Dharuhera, a city in Haryana, emerged as India’s most polluted city in October, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 123 micrograms per cubic meter. New Delhi ranked as the sixth most polluted city in the country during the same month, with its PM2.5 levels reaching 107 micrograms per cubic meter. This data comes from the latest Monthly Air Quality Snapshot released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). T^{[1][2][3][4][5]}he report highlights a significant worsening of air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR). ^[1][2][3][4]### NCR Dominates Pollution Hotspots All ten of India's most polluted cities in October were located within the National Capital Region. F^[1][2][3][4]ollowing Dharuhera, other highly polluted cities included Rohtak, Ghaziabad, and Noida. B^[1][2][3][4]allabgarh, Bhiwadi, Greater Noida, Hapur, and Gurugram also featured in the top ten. F^[1][2][3][4]our cities each from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana dominated this list, all part of the NCR. ^[1][2][4]Dharuhera's monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 123 µg/m³ significantly exceeded India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 µg/m³ on 77% of the days in October. The c^[4][5]ity experienced two "Severe" and nine "Very Poor" air quality days during the month. Delhi^[4][5]'s average PM2.5 level of 107 µg/m³ was nearly three times higher than its September average of 36 µg/m³, indicating a sharp decline in air quality as winter approaches. ### Year^[1][2][3][4]-Round Emissions Drive Pollution The CREA study noted that stubble burning contributed less than 6% to Delhi's PM2.5 levels in October. This low ^[1][2][3][4]contribution suggests that local and year-round emission sources are the main drivers of the severe air pollution. These sou^[1][2][3][4]rces include vehicular traffic, construction dust, and industrial activities. Manoj Ku^[2][3]mar, an analyst at CREA, explained that seasonal spikes in pollution during winter and festive periods do not create India's pollution problem but rather expose it. "These seasonal spikes merely amplify baseline pollution levels that remain dangerously high throughout the year," Kumar said. This high^[1][3]lights the need for continuous efforts to control emissions year-round, not just during specific seasons. ### Heal^[1][2]th Risks and Policy Challenges The deteriorating air quality poses serious health risks for residents in the NCR. High concentrations of PM2.5, tiny particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, can lead to respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and other severe health issues. Many citi^[6][7]es in the region frequently record air quality in the "Poor," "Very Poor," or even "Severe" categories, making the air unhealthy for most people and hazardous for sensitive groups. Experts ^{[6][8][7][9][10][11]}criticize the reliance on short-term measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stating they are insufficient. These pla^[2][3]ns often focus on immediate responses to pollution spikes rather than addressing the root causes. A more ef^[2][3]fective approach requires long-term, sector-specific emission cuts and greater accountability across various sectors. Despite t^[3]he challenges, the continuous monitoring of air quality is crucial for understanding pollution trends and informing policy decisions. The pers^[12]istent high pollution levels underscore an urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action. Without a focus on year-round emission control and robust implementation of long-term strategies, the NCR will likely continue to face severe air quality challenges, impacting public health and the environment.