Delhi’s Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’ After Diwali

Delhi woke up to a blanket of smog the morning after Diwali, as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital plunged into the ‘severe’ category. According to official data, the average AQI stood at 451 at 7 am — nearly twice the national average.

Despite restrictions and a limited time window for bursting green crackers, residents across Delhi-NCR ignored the rules. Fireworks continued throughout the night, worsening pollution levels across the region. Areas like Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, and Anand Vihar recorded AQI readings above 420. Neighboring cities Noida and Gurgaon also reported ‘severe’ air quality, with AQI levels crossing 400.

Experts have cautioned that even so-called green crackers can be harmful, especially when weather conditions are unfavorable. With weak wind movement and cool temperatures, pollutants are likely to stay trapped close to the ground, keeping the city’s air toxic for days.

Authorities have enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), focusing on dust control, increased use of public transport, and water sprinkling on roads. Meanwhile, Delhi Fire Services received 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, though no major incidents were reported.

The weather department predicts smoggy mornings and partly cloudy skies, with maximum temperatures around 33°C and minimum near 21°C.