Delhi chokes after Diwali as air quality slips to 'very poor' category

Delhi’s air quality took a sharp hit following Diwali celebrations, slipping deep into the “very poor” category on Tuesday morning.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 346 at 5.30 am, placing most neighbourhoods firmly in the red zone.

Despite the Supreme Court’s relaxation allowing “green” firecrackers this year, pollution levels surged late Monday night, with 36 of the 38 monitoring stations reporting “very poor” to “severe” air quality.

Four areas — Dwarka (417), Ashok Vihar (404), Wazirpur (423), and Anand Vihar (404) — recorded severe pollution levels. On Diwali morning, the city had already witnessed an AQI of 333, indicating a steady deterioration since the weekend. According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls in the “very poor” range, while readings above 400 are deemed “severe.”

GRAP-II Curbs reimposed in Delhi-NCR
In response to the escalating pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Sunday evening.

The commission reported that Delhi’s AQI climbed from 296 at 4 pm to 302 by 7 pm, prompting tighter restrictions. Authorities have been instructed to intensify dust control efforts, enforce construction norms, and ensure full adherence to anti-pollution measures across the region.

As the city continues to battle post-Diwali smog, experts warn that calm weather and stagnant wind conditions may worsen air quality further in the coming days.