Sikkim Air Stays Clean While Delhi Smog Hits Very Poor Levels

Gangtok: Delhi air turned toxic on November 2. The Air Quality Index hit 373, pushing the city into the Very Poor category. The Commission for Air Quality Management responded by activating Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan. With Diwali approaching on November 8, officials fear the situation will get worse.

Sikkim tells a different story. Data from the State Pollution Control Board reveals that the mountain state kept its air clean from January through August 2026. Every one of its eight monitoring stations recorded levels in the Good or Satisfactory ranges. Not a single location logged an AQI higher than 100.

The highest reading came from Rangpo in East Sikkim, which peaked at 81 in February. Other East Sikkim sites like Singtam and Deorali stayed between the 40s and 60s. Higher altitudes fared even better. Pelling recorded an AQI of 19 in July and 20 in August. Chungthang held steady between 28 and 31 for the entire eight-month window. Ravangla, Namchi, and Mangan also stayed in the Good category.

India defines the Good category as an AQI between 0 and 50. It indicates minimal health impact for residents. Conversely, the Very Poor category brings real risks. Authorities state the Very Poor category is "associated with respiratory illnesses following prolonged exposure." Sikkim remains a breath of fresh air as the national capital struggles to breathe.