Delhi AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’ At 365 As Pollution Levels Rise Ahead Of Diwali

Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Saturday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 365, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to the Delhi government’s air quality monitoring data.

The national Capital has been experiencing consistently high pollution levels over the past few days. On Friday evening, the AQI stood at 382, also falling in the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Amid the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as a precautionary measure ahead of Diwali.

The CAQM’s Sub-Committee on GRAP announced the decision on X and will implement a nine-point action plan across Delhi-NCR to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

1/4 The Sub-Committee on GRAP, #CAQM, decides to invoke the action plan as per Stage-III of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect

— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) November 6, 2026

The restrictions include curbs on construction and demolition activities, vehicle movement and industrial operations, alongside measures concerning schools and offices. These steps aim to reduce emissions and limit the accumulation of pollutants across the region.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa urged residents to follow pollution-control restrictions, warning that near-zero wind speeds could worsen air quality by trapping pollutants.

With Stage III GRAP measures in force, authorities are stepping up efforts to curb emissions across Delhi-NCR. Residents have been asked to cooperate to prevent further deterioration in air quality ahead of Diwali.

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