Two days after Diwali celebrations, Delhi woke up under a thick shroud of smog on Wednesday, as air pollution levels once again surged to alarming levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 345, categorised as “very poor”, with some areas breaching 380, nearing the “severe” zone.
Thick Smog Returns, Residents Gasp for Breath
A dense grey haze engulfed the national capital, cutting visibility and triggering breathing difficulties for residents. Localities like Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and Dilshad Garden recorded the highest AQI levels around 6:15 a.m., while Dwarka (417), Wazirpur (423), Anand Vihar (404), and Ashok Vihar (404) entered the severe category, according to data from the CPCB’s SAMEER app.
In contrast, areas such as DTU, IGI Airport, and Lodhi Road fared slightly better with AQI readings below 300 still in the ‘poor’ range. Morning visuals from Akshardham and India Gate revealed thick smog, obscuring iconic cityscapes.
Pollution Peaks Despite Crackdown on Firecrackers
The spike comes just days after Diwali, despite the Supreme Court’s restrictions on bursting firecrackers, which were only permitted between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Diwali eve. The court had also mandated the use of green crackers, yet enforcement appeared lax, as pollution readings continued to climb across the city.
Transport and industrial emissions remain significant contributors. According to data from the Decision Support System (DSS), transport accounted for 15.6% of Delhi’s pollution on Monday, while industries and other sources contributed 23.3%.
Health Concerns on the Rise
Residents reported a sharp increase in respiratory issues, eye irritation, and general discomfort. “Pollution hasn’t increased overnight it’s been building for years,” said Sagar, a local resident. “Everyone blames the government, but the truth is, people are responsible too. Firecrackers are a choice, and so are clean habits.”
Doctors have warned vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions to avoid outdoor activities and use air purifiers and N95 masks wherever possible.
GRAP Stage II in Force Across NCR
Authorities have implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, which includes stricter curbs on construction, industrial operations, and vehicle emissions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have forecast that stagnant weather conditions may further trap pollutants in the coming days, worsening air quality.
The city’s 24-hour average AQI, reported at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, remained at 345, higher than Sunday’s 326, confirming a steady deterioration since the festival.
Understanding the AQI Scale
The CPCB categorises air quality as:
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Good (0–50)
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Satisfactory (51–100)
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Moderate (101–200)
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Poor (201–300)
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Very Poor (301–400)
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Severe (401–500)
Delhi’s current average places it firmly in the “very poor” range, with multiple pockets tipping into “severe.”
The Way Forward
As Delhi struggles to breathe, experts stress the need for sustained emission control, better waste management, and stricter enforcement of pollution norms. Citizens, too, are urged to participate from carpooling and using public transport to avoiding open waste burning and supporting green initiatives.
