India

Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog As AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels; Authorities Tighten Anti-Pollution Measures Ahead Of Diwali

A dense layer of smog blanketed Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday morning as the air quality index (AQI) persisted at “very poor” levels. The pollution crisis has been driven by slowing wind speeds, lower temperatures, high moisture, and persistent pollutants, with the AQI recorded at a “severe” 363 due to heightened PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Morning temperatures hovered around 25°C.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas like ITO recorded an AQI of 361, while Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri faced “severe” levels around 400. Nehru Place and nearby areas also saw thick smog, with the IGI Airport registering a “very poor” AQI of 320, the lowest in the city. The AQI ranges from “good” (0-50) to “severe” (401-500).

Also Read: Congress Unveils Third List Of Candidates For Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Including Key Party Figures

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the next 15 days as critical, warning of intensifying pollution due to seasonal northwestern winds that could carry additional pollutants into the NCR region. With Diwali approaching, he announced plans to deploy drone technology to identify pollution sources in hotspot areas.

The city has been grappling with hazardous air quality in recent days, prompting authorities to enforce stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting October 21. Restrictions include a ban on coal, firewood, and diesel generators, alongside a request to residents to avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass. GRAP Stage 1 measures, in effect since October 15, include mechanized street sweeping, water sprinkling, and restrictions on waste burning, coal and firewood use in eateries, and limited diesel generator operations.

Richa Kaushik

Recent Posts

Hina Khan Hails 11 Years Of PM Modi’s Leadership; Highlights National Progress

As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…

4 hours ago

Subhash Ghai Hails PM Modi’s Transformative Vision For India

Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…

4 hours ago

India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…

5 hours ago

PM Modi’s Beej Se Bazaar Tak Vision Reshapes Indian Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…

5 hours ago

EV Sales Cross 4% Mark In May; Signalling Steady Shift To Green Mobility

EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…

6 hours ago

Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…

6 hours ago