Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the “very poor” range on the eve of Diwali, with pollution levels projected to worsen on Thursday, authorities said. The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 307 by 4 p.m. Wednesday, a rise from 268 the previous day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology forecasts air quality in Delhi to remain “very poor” (AQI 300 to 400) through Thursday and Friday. Conditions may escalate to the “severe” category if firecracker and stubble-burning emissions increase.
Stubble burning in neighboring states, if it follows last year’s patterns, could add 15-18% to Delhi’s pollution, according to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management. Winds from the northwest may transport additional smoke into the city, exacerbating conditions.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which outlines emergency air pollution controls for Delhi-NCR, AQI levels are divided into four categories: “Poor” (201-300), “Very Poor” (301-400), “Severe” (401-450), and “Severe Plus” (above 450).
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said 377 teams have been deployed to enforce a strict ban on firecrackers. Authorities are collaborating with resident welfare associations, market groups, and social organisations to raise awareness.
A senior Delhi Police official reported that district police teams have been formed to ensure compliance, adding that legal action, including penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, will be taken against violators.
Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services noted that northwesterly winds could carry stubble smoke into Delhi. “If firecrackers are also burst, the altered wind direction could further trap pollutants, worsening the air quality,” he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal defended the firecracker ban, calling it essential for public health. There’s no ‘Hindu-Muslim’ angle here, Kejriwal said, urging people to light diyas instead, as Diwali celebrates lights.
At least 40 air quality monitoring stations reported Delhi’s air quality Wednesday, with Anand Vihar and Mundka recording “severe” AQI levels above 400, CPCB data shows. AQI levels in Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Burari, Wazirpur, and other areas remained in the “very poor” category. Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Greater Noida, and Noida showed “poor” air quality, while Faridabad recorded “moderate” levels at 181.
Last Diwali, Delhi saw its cleanest air in eight years, with an average AQI of 218. This year, PM10 was the prominent pollutant, a particulate matter linked to respiratory issues. Wednesday’s PM2.5 level—a finer particulate matter—was recorded at 116 micrograms per cubic meter.
Transportation was the leading contributor to Delhi’s pollution at 16.2% Wednesday, a slight increase from Tuesday’s 15.7%. Emissions from vehicles are expected to continue as the top pollution source over the next two days.
Authorities have requested neighboring states to curb farm fires, with 110 fires recorded in Punjab, three in Haryana, and 47 in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Since mid-September, Punjab has recorded 2,466 fires, Haryana 742, and Uttar Pradesh 1,039.