New Delhi — On the day of Diwali, New Delhi’s air quality plunged dramatically with 34 out of 38 monitoring stations in the national capital recording pollution levels in the “red zone” — a classification that covers both “very poor” and “severe” categories.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 345 at 4 pm, up from 326 on the previous day. Four monitoring stations — Dwarka (417), Wazirpur (423), Ashok Vihar (404) and Anand Vihar (404) — crossed the 400 mark, placing them in the “severe” air quality category.
Major contributors to the spike in pollution include emissions from transport and industrial sources. The festival of lights added a layer of complexity: despite restrictions on firecrackers, thousands were used in the early hours of Diwali, filling the air with particulate matter and smoke.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, which brings in tighter controls. These include restrictions on diesel generator use, enhanced vacuum-sweeping of roads, and barring non-compliant buses into the city.
Meteorologists warned that conditions may deteriorate further in the coming days due to lower wind speeds and increased humidity, which can trap pollutants near the ground. The forecast indicates that more stations may slide into the “severe” zone by Tuesday and Wednesday.
For residents, the situation raises serious health concerns — especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Experts recommend limiting outdoor exposure, using N95 masks when venturing outside, and avoiding strenuous activity.
The sudden dip in air quality also serves as a stark reminder of how festive celebrations, weather conditions and long-term pollution trends combine to create a toxic smog challenge in the city.
As Diwali celebrations continue, the air behind the lights and sweets remains grim — and the city’s battle with seasonal pollution is far from over.