Air pollution levels across Rajasthan have climbed sharply with the onset of winter, with Sawai Madhopur emerging as the state's most polluted city at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 306 — firmly in the 'very poor' category — according to the latest state air quality bulletin released on 7 November 2026. PM2.5 has been identified as the primary pollutant in Sawai Madhopur, raising concerns over respiratory health across vulnerable groups.

Cities in the 'Poor' and 'Very Poor' Band

Bikaner recorded the second-highest AQI at 273, with PM10 flagged as its chief pollutant. Close behind were Dausa (232), Churu (231), Sikar (227), Nagaur (225), Alwar (224), Jhunjhunu (224), Karauli (215), Sri Ganganagar (213), Jaisalmer (210), and Jaipur (207) — all registering in the 'poor' range of 201–300, where breathing discomfort becomes a real risk, particularly for those with pre-existing ailments.

Moderate Pollution Across Southern and Central Districts

Several cities fell in the moderate band (AQI 101–200), including Tonk (196), Jodhpur (192), Hanumangarh (186), Deeg (185), Pali (184), and Bharatpur (179). Cities such as Jhalawar, Kota, Chittorgarh, Bundi, Bhilwara, Udaipur, and Sirohi also reported moderate readings. While less alarming, these levels can still affect sensitive individuals over sustained exposure.

Who Is Most at Risk

Health authorities have flagged children, senior citizens, and those living with asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart conditions as the most vulnerable. AQI levels between 301 and 400 — the band Sawai Madhopur currently occupies — can trigger respiratory illnesses with prolonged outdoor exposure, while readings between 201 and 300 cause breathing discomfort even in otherwise healthy individuals. Authorities have advised residents across the state to limit non-essential outdoor activity, especially in cities reporting poor or very poor air quality.

Delhi-NCR Spillover Triggers Construction Ban

The deteriorating air quality is not confined to local sources. The Rajasthan government has banned construction and demolition activities in districts bordering the Delhi-NCR region, responding to the broader pollution emergency gripping north India. This comes amid seasonal factors — cooler temperatures, lower wind speeds, and stubble-burning residue drifting from neighbouring states — that annually worsen particulate matter concentrations across the Indo-Gangetic plain. Notably, Rajasthan's northern and eastern districts tend to be first affected by this annual cycle, consistent with the current readings in Bikaner, Churu, and Sikar.

What Residents and Authorities Should Watch

Winter air quality in Rajasthan typically deteriorates through November and December before easing slightly in January. With multiple cities already in the poor category on the first week of November, the trajectory suggests conditions could worsen before they improve. The state bulletin and national air quality monitoring systems will continue tracking readings daily; any spike past AQI 400 in heavily populated cities would trigger stricter emergency-level restrictions under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) norms.