New Delhi/ A thick layer of smog engulfed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Diwali morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the ‘very poor’ category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shared via the SAMEER app, Delhi’s AQI stood at 339 at 9 am.
Readings from 38 monitoring stations showed that air quality levels in most parts of the city remained above 300. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 414, while Wazirpur registered 412 — both falling in the ‘severe’ category. Other areas such as Bawana (369), Pusa (371), and Ashok Vihar (394) also reported poor air quality. Comparatively, locations like Sri Aurobindo Marg (165) and Delhi Technological University (198) recorded relatively cleaner air.
Ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had enforced Phase II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels. Last week, the Supreme Court permitted the sale of eco-friendly firecrackers in the region under specific conditions and directed the CPCB to monitor and share real-time air quality data.
Officials have expressed concern that the air quality is likely to deteriorate further as the day progresses, particularly due to the bursting of firecrackers in violation of norms — a trend observed during last year’s Diwali celebrations.
