Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets Post-Diwali Fireworks

As Delhi celebrated Diwali with fireworks and festivities, the city’s air quality took a severe hit. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that 36 out of 38 air monitoring stations across the national capital recorded pollution levels in the “red zone”, marking air quality as very poor to severe.

By 10 PM on Monday, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 344, placing it in the very poor category. However, several areas reported even worse conditions, with four key stations — Dwarka (417), Ashok Vihar (404), Wazirpur (423), and Anand Vihar (404) — showing severe air pollution levels above 400.

AQI Levels Across Delhi

According to CPCB’s official data, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI (recorded daily at 4 PM) reached 345, up from 326 on Sunday.
During the afternoon, 31 stations recorded very poor air quality, while three stations fell into the severe range.

Experts predict that the city’s pollution levels are expected to worsen further on Tuesday and Wednesday, likely slipping deeper into the severe category.

AQI Classification Explained

The CPCB categorizes air quality based on AQI readings as follows:

• 0–50: Good

• 51–100: Satisfactory

• 101–200: Moderate

• 201–300: Poor

• 301–400: Very Poor

• 401–500: Severe

With readings crossing 400 in several locations, Delhi’s air quality remains in a health-threatening zone, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Major Pollution Sources Identified

According to data from the Decision Support System (DSS), transport emissions contributed around 15.6% to Delhi’s air pollution on Monday.
Meanwhile, industrial activities and other factors accounted for approximately 23.3% of total emissions.

Authorities attribute the sharp rise in particulate matter to a mix of Diwali fireworks, vehicle exhaust, and stubble burning in nearby regions.

Authorities Implement Stage II of GRAP

On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR to curb worsening pollution levels.
This decision followed a detailed review by the sub-committee on GRAP, along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Under Stage II, authorities may restrict construction activities, enhance road cleaning efforts, and promote remote working to reduce traffic emissions.

Supreme Court’s Green Firecracker Rule

Earlier, on October 15, the Supreme Court of India had permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 6 AM and 7 PM, and again from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali Eve and Diwali Day.

Despite these restrictions, pollution levels surged, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining clean air during the festive season.

Outlook

Environmental experts have urged citizens to opt for eco-friendly celebrations and support sustainable practices to reduce pollution. With the air quality expected to remain very poor to severe in the coming days, authorities continue to monitor and enforce stricter pollution control measures across the region.