The air quality across Delhi and its adjoining areas continued to worsen on October 23, staying in the ‘very poor’ category, three days post Diwali. According to aqi.in, the average AQI recorded was at 325 at 5:30 am, with most of the recording stations showing readings in the red zone.
Thick smog was seen covering areas near Akshardham Temple, leading to reduced visibility on roads during the early morning hours. Most neighbourhoods in the capital registered AQIs between 300 and 400, whereas Anand Vihar was the most polluted area, touching an alarming 511 mark, entering the ‘severe’ zone.
Most polluted areas in Delhi
As per the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI in Delhi was 362 as of 6 am on Thursday, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category. Main monitoring stations also showed similar patterns. RK Puram (362), AIIMS (342), India Gate (353), Patparganj (361), whereas Anand Vihar once again entered into the ‘severe’ category with an AQI of 428.
#WATCH | Delhi: To mitigate pollution, water being sprinkled with the help of NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) vehicle, in the Safdarjung area. pic.twitter.com/nUTsOlUpKf
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2025
Meanwhile, authorities have implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This is a 12-point action plan framework to indicate the decline in the air quality across the National Capital Region.
A health expert stated to ANI that cold air and low wind speeds typical of early winter are pulling the pollutants closer to the ground. Dr Nikhil Modi, a respiratory specialist at Apollo Hospitals, cautioned that people with asthma, severe lung conditions and allergies are at the highest risk during this period.
India’s major metros, Delhi, recorded the worst air quality, whereas Bengaluru and Chennai recorded AQI levels below 50 and Ahmedabad and Mumbai were placed around 106. Despite the Supreme Court’s limited approval for bursting crackers, violations were reported to be widespread across Delhi-NCR, with residents reportedly surpassing the time restrictions, as per a report by the Indian Express.
Delhi Weather Update
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), smog and shallow fog are expected to be present in a few areas of Delhi on October 23, especially during the morning. Conditions are likely to get clear later in the day, with skies turning clear along with light haze or mist. Daytime temperatures are forecast to be between 31-33 degrees Celsius, whereas during nighttime temperatures may vary between 19 to 21 degrees Celsius.
