Delhi remained shrouded in a thick layer of smog two days after Diwali festivities on Wednesday. Air quality plunged further into the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories across several parts of the city. However, despite the worsening conditions, CM Rekha Gupta claimed that the overall pollution levels this year were “lower than last year”.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi’s ITO at 383 as of 5 pm, categorising the capital’s air as ‘very poor’. However, several areas continued to record alarming pollution levels — Punjabi Bagh registered an AQI of 401, while Wazirpur stood at 405, both falling under the ‘severe’ category.
The CM highlighted that the pollution levels are low despite the relaxations in cracker burning. She was responding to questions during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon regarding Chhath Puja preparations.
Worst Diwali night air in at least 3 years
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s air quality on Diwali this year was worse than last year. In 2025, the Delhi’s AQI was 345, which is higher than 328 in 2024. The data for 2025 is also higher than 218 in 2023 and 312 in 2022. On November 5, 2021, the most polluted post-Diwali day was observed in recent years as the AQI hit 462 (severe).
In addition, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm on Tuesday was 351 (very poor), up from 345 on Monday.
Chhath Puja celebrations
Gupta said that her government will provide facilities across 17 spots, from Palla to Kalindi Kunj, along the Yamuna River for Chhath Puja. She added that the government will also withdraw cases registered against devotees for celebrating the festival on the banks of the river.
She said, “For years, the government had not been [celebrating] Chhath. We have removed that. The government will provide facilities from Palla to Kalindi at 17 spots.”
The CM also mentioned that all FIRs registered under Section 188 of the IPC in 2021 will be withdrawn. She added, “All FIRs under Section 188 [disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant] registered in 2021 for people who were celebrating Chhath at the Yamuna will be withdrawn by my government.”
CM Gupta stated that the number of Chhath celebration spots has increased from 929 to over 1,000, based on proposals from local committees. She announced that the government will ensure arrangements at all designated locations, including providing tents, toilets, tea, water, and medical facilities for devotees.
