Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Delhiites Seek Clean Air in Dehradun
When Delhi's air becomes very polluted, many people go to Dehradun to find cleaner air.
But recently, Dehradun's air quality has also become poor.
Experts say this is because of more cars, burning waste, construction, and forest fires.
The air is better during the day but gets worse at night.
Some people in Dehradun are now wearing masks, which was not common before.
The city is usually known for its nice weather and clean air, but now it's not as clean as it used to be.
Air pollution is a big problem in India, causing many deaths and making people live shorter lives.
Officials need to find ways to improve the air quality in both Delhi and Dehradun.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 380, classified as 'very poor'.
Many Delhi residents are traveling to Dehradun for cleaner air, but Dehradun's AQI is also poor, ranging from 260 to 300.
Dehradun's air quality deteriorates sharply after sunset, with AQI crossing 300 at several locations.
Experts attribute Dehradun's worsening air quality to increased vehicle numbers, waste burning, construction, and seasonal forest fires.
Air pollution in India causes around 1.5 million deaths annually and reduces life expectancy by 3.5 years.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi and other polluted areas
- What
- Mass migration to Dehradun in search of cleaner air
- When
- During the winter season, particularly when Delhi's AQI is very poor
- Where
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- To escape hazardous air pollution in cities like Delhi
- AQI in Delhi
- 380 (very poor)
- AQI in Delhi on Wednesday
- 329 (very poor)
- AQI in Dehradun on Wednesday
- 260-300 (poor)
- Average AQI in Dehradun during the day
- 291 (polluted to severely polluted)
- Annual deaths due to air pollution in India
- 1.5 million
- Life expectancy reduction due to air pollution in India
- 3.5 years
- Life expectancy loss in Delhi-NCR due to air pollution
- 4.74 years
- Population of Dehradun
- 1.7 million
Sources
‘Escape from toxic AQI?’: Tourists throng Rohtang Pass, traffic jam video goes viral
No snowfall yet cars block Rohtang Pass in viral video: ‘Escape from Delhi AQI?’
‘Escape from toxic AQI’: Viral video shows Rohtang Pass jammed with vehicles; off-season rush sparks ‘overtourism’ concerns
"Escape From Delhi Air?" Video Of Hundreds Of Cars Near Rohtang Pass Is Viral
Delhi air pollution: Supreme Court modifies order, allows action against BS III and older vehicles in Delhi NCR
"Why Can't Gurugram Toll Be Shut Till Jan?" Top Court On Delhi Air Pollution
Delhi air pollution: Supreme Court urges pause in border toll
Pollution: SC Asks NHAI, MCD to Shift or Close Delhi's Toll Plazas
SC Allows Action Against Old Cars Below BS-IV In Delhi-NCR Amid Rising Pollution
Delhiites Visit Dehradun To Escape Pollution, Only To Find AQI At 300
Delhi’s AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels Despite Government Measures; Supreme Court Calls Efforts a ‘Total Failure'
Delhi AQI woes: Supreme Court moots closure of border toll plazas, gives MCD one week to devise ‘concrete plan’
CNG to be available for customers in Delhi only with a valid pollution control certificate