If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like you were walking through fog — only to realize it wasn’t fog, but smog — you’re not alone. According to a recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s air quality took a sharp turn for the worse in October 2025.
In fact, air pollution levels were significantly higher than in October 2023. But what happened? Why is our air getting dirtier, and more importantly — what can we do about it?
What the CREA Report Says
The CREA used satellite-based data to monitor air pollution levels across Indian cities and states. The findings were pretty alarming. Their analysis showed:
- 13 out of 22 major Indian cities saw a rise in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels compared to the same time in 2023.
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal recorded the worst pollution spikes.
- Even clean-energy states like Karnataka saw an increase in pollution.
So what’s all this buzz about PM2.5? These are tiny particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter — so small, they can enter your lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health problems.
What’s Behind the Smog?
There’s no single culprit. CREA notes several reasons for the worsening air:
- Burning crop residue (stubble burning) in northern states is still a widespread practice.
- Industrial emissions and increased use of fossil fuels continue to pollute our air.
- Vehicle exhaust remains a major source of pollution, especially in urban areas.
- Weak enforcement of environmental laws allows bad habits to continue.
And while October typically sees pollution rise due to cooler weather and low wind movement, this year was particularly bad.
How Does This Affect Your Health?
We sometimes forget that air pollution isn’t just about visibility or dust on your windows — it directly affects your wellbeing.
Pollution can lead to:
- Breathing issues like asthma or chronic bronchitis
- Heart conditions and increased risk of stroke
- Weakened immunity, especially in children and the elderly
Have you ever felt like scratching your throat or coughing after a short walk outdoors? That’s not just a coincidence. It’s likely caused by breathing in polluted air.
So, What Can We Do About It?
The CREA urged stronger implementation of environmental laws, regular monitoring of emissions, and more support for clean energy.
But as individuals, we can also do our part:
- Use public transport or carpool whenever possible
- Avoid burning waste in open areas
- Support local clean energy initiatives
Even small actions, when multiplied by millions, can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
The air we breathe impacts every part of our life — our health, productivity, and even happiness. The fact that air quality worsened across India in October 2025 should be a wake-up call for all of us.
The good news? With awareness and action, we can make our cities cleaner and safer. So the next time you check the weather, don’t forget to check your local air quality too — because it matters more than you think.
