Delhi Chokes After Diwali: Smog Blanket Pushes Air Quality To ‘Very Poor’ Category

A dense layer of smog engulfed the national capital on Wednesday morning, with air quality plunging sharply following Diwali celebrations.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 345 at 5:30 AM, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

Despite a Supreme Court ban on firecrackers, large-scale violations reported across several parts of Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) on Diwali night.

On Tuesday, multiple air monitoring stations recorded AQI levels crossing 500, a threshold classified as ‘severe’.

The city’s 24-hour average AQI for Tuesday was 351, marking a spike from 345 recorded the previous day.

The worsening air quality follows a familiar trend for this time of year, as stagnant weather conditions, low wind speeds, and emissions from firecrackers combine with stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana to trap pollutants over Delhi.

Authorities are now weighing emergency measures to address the situation.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has suggested activating Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which involves stricter restrictions.

These include curbs on the use of diesel generators (except for essential services), tighter control over construction and demolition work, and intensified dust suppression.

Special enforcement teams are also expected to be deployed in high-pollution zones to monitor vehicular emissions and traffic movement.

CPCB data shows that Diwali 2025 ranks among the most polluted in recent years, highlighting a recurring decline in air quality tied to unchecked firecracker use.

Health Impact and Medical Warnings

Medical professionals reported a noticeable rise in respiratory ailments, eye irritation, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain on Tuesday, with particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels averaging 488 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), far exceeding safe limits.

Health experts have urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activity and use protective masks until air quality improves.