Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates After Diwali, AQI Hits 384 And Inches Towards Severe Category

Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens On Diwali, 11 Monitoring Stations Record Severe AQI Levels

Delhi witnessed another spell of hazardous air pollution on Diwali morning, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 384, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The situation was even more alarming in several neighbourhoods, where pollution levels crossed the 400 mark and entered the ‘severe’ category. As many as 11 out of the 23 monitoring stations included in the 6 am update reported severe air quality.

Punjabi Bagh emerged as the most polluted location, recording an AQI of 450. RK Puram followed closely at 449, while IIT Delhi registered 446. Dwarka also reported an alarming reading of 444.

Other areas reporting severe pollution included CRRI Mathura Road and Siri Fort, both at 425, while Delhi University’s North Campus and Chandni Chowk recorded 423 each. Pusa registered 415, Burari Crossing 411 and NSUT Jaffarpur 409.

Among locations in the very poor category, Narela recorded an AQI of 399, followed by ITO at 396 and Mandir Marg at 393. Uttam Nagar reported 373, Burari 370, and Talkatora Garden and Aya Nagar both registered 369.

Vasundhara Enclave recorded 356, while Tikri Kalan and Badarpur reported 349 each. Karala registered 337, Lodhi Road 333 and Anand Vihar 328.

LOW WIND SPEEDS AND EMISSIONS INTENSIFY POLLUTION

Experts have linked the deterioration in Delhi’s air quality to a combination of unfavourable weather conditions, vehicle emissions, Diwali celebrations and increasing incidents of stubble burning in neighbouring states.

According to the air quality warning system, low ventilation levels and average wind speeds below 10 kilometres per hour could prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively. As a result, harmful particles are likely to remain trapped near the ground.

PM10 was identified as the primary pollutant in Delhi on Saturday.

The Delhi government’s Decision Support System (DSS) estimated that the transport sector accounted for the largest share of the city’s pollution load at 21.4 per cent on Saturday.

Stubble burning contributed approximately 1.7 per cent to Delhi’s pollution on the same day. However, its contribution was projected to increase to 5.4 per cent on Sunday, according to data reported by news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).

Satellite observations detected 589 farm-fire incidents across six states on Friday. Punjab accounted for 357 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 139 and Rajasthan with 58. Uttar Pradesh reported 23 incidents, Haryana nine and Uttarakhand three.

Between September 15 and November 6, a total of 6,226 crop-residue burning incidents were recorded across these six states.

The figures were released in a bulletin by the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.

GRAP STAGE III CURBS IMPOSED ACROSS DELHI-NCR

In response to the deteriorating pollution situation ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday, November 6.

The restrictions aim to reduce pollution-generating activities and prevent further deterioration in air quality.

Under Stage III, non-essential construction and demolition activities that generate dust have been prohibited. Restrictions have also been imposed on stone-crushing operations and mining-related activities.

The curbs cover BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi and the adjoining NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Certain categories of diesel goods vehicles are also subject to restrictions.

Educational institutions have been advised to offer hybrid classes for students up to Class V, allowing children to attend either physically or online. Authorities may also consider work-from-home arrangements for 50 per cent of employees in government and private offices.

Residents have been encouraged to use public transport, share private vehicles and opt for walking or cycling for shorter journeys. The use of coal and wood for heating has also been discouraged.

With Diwali celebrations adding to concerns over pollution, Delhi faces the challenge of controlling emissions amid unfavourable weather conditions and seasonal sources of pollution.

The GRAP Stage III restrictions continue across Delhi-NCR as authorities attempt to limit pollution levels and protect residents from further deterioration in air quality.