Delhi air quality hits severe levels after Diwali celebrations

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Diwali morning, with the overall Air Quality Index slipping into the severe category at 483 at 8:10 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. The reading marked a significant decline from Saturday morning, when the index stood at 364 at 8 am in the very poor category.

Eleven monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 400, placing them in the severe category. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest reading at 449, followed closely by RK Puram at 448 and IIT Delhi at 446. Other severe readings included Rohini at 445, Chandni Chowk at 420, Patparganj at 421 and Alipur at 413.

“Low ventilation levels and average wind speeds of less than 10 kilometres per hour could make it difficult for pollutants to disperse.”

Several other areas fell into the very poor category, with readings between 301 and 400. Anand Vihar recorded 328 at 6 am, while Narela registered 395. India Gate measured 398 and Akshardham Temple recorded 336.

Weather experts attributed the deterioration to unfavourable meteorological conditions, Diwali-related celebrations, vehicle emissions and seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states. Low ventilation levels and average wind speeds below 10 kilometres per hour made it difficult for pollutants to disperse, causing them to remain concentrated in the atmosphere.

The Commission for Air Quality Management had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR on Friday, two days ahead of Diwali. With these measures in force, existing restrictions continued alongside additional pollution controls, increased enforcement and directions to agencies to prevent further deterioration.

The emergency action plan applies across Delhi and adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. CPCB classifies AQI readings between 401 and 500 as severe, while readings between 301 and 400 fall under very poor.