Gurgaon September AQI hits three-year high after late-month spike

Gurgaon’s AQI reached 242 on September 22, the highest daily reading in a month that recorded the city’s highest September average in three years.

The monthly average was 114.8, up from 91.1 in September 2024 and 84.9 in September 2025. Pollution rose sharply in the latter half of the month: the AQI was 195 on September 20, then crossed 200 for four consecutive days, recording 218, 242, 214 and 237 through September 24. The five-day average was 221.2.

For comparison, the AQI averaged about 90 during the first 18 days of September, before rising to an average of 152 between September 19 and 30. Ashutosh Ahalawat of Sector 90 said residents had noticed more dust and haze, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Readings eased after September 24, falling to 140 on September 25 and 71 on September 27, before ending the month at 114. Environmental researcher Jinitha Varghese said the rise could reflect typical pre-winter conditions and weather variability, rather than evidence yet of an exceptionally polluted winter.