Delhi chokes on Diwali as AQI climbs to 384, nears severe mark

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, summarizes how polluted the air is. In the article’s classification, readings from 301 to 400 indicate “very poor” air quality. Delhi’s citywide AQI of 384 therefore showed serious pollution and left little room before the severe category began.

The dividing line was visible across the monitoring network. At 6 am, every one of the 23 listed stations had an AQI of at least 301. Eleven stations recorded readings above 400, which placed them in the severe category, while the other 12 remained between 301 and 400.

This matters because pollution was not limited to one neighborhood. Punjabi Bagh reached 450, while RK Puram reached 449 and IIT Delhi reached 446. The article links the deterioration to weak ventilation, slow winds, vehicle emissions, stubble burning and Diwali activity. GRAP Stage III restrictions remained in force to limit further worsening.

Dangerous pollution was widespread across the monitoring network on Diwali morning. The 6 am update listed 23 monitoring stations, and 11 reported AQI readings above 400, placing them in the severe category. The remaining 12 stations recorded readings from 301 to 400, still classified as very poor.

Punjabi Bagh recorded Delhi’s highest AQI at 450. It was followed closely by RK Puram at 449 and IIT Delhi at 446. Dwarka also reached 444. Other severe readings included 425 at CRRI Mathura Road, 423 at Siri Fort, North Campus of Delhi University and Chandni Chowk, and 415 at Pusa.

The figures show that severe pollution affected several parts of the capital rather than a single location. Even stations below 400 remained in the very poor range. With Diwali activity, vehicle emissions and poor atmospheric dispersion expected to add pollution, authorities kept GRAP Stage III restrictions in force across Delhi-NCR.

Delhi’s air quality worsened because pollution sources increased while weather conditions prevented the air from clearing. Experts cited unfavourable meteorological conditions, Diwali-related celebrations, vehicle emissions and the seasonal rise in stubble burning across neighbouring states.

The air quality warning system reported low ventilation and average wind speeds below 10 kilometres per hour. These conditions make it difficult for pollutants to disperse, so emissions can remain concentrated near the ground. The Delhi government’s Decision Support System identified transport as the largest contributor on Saturday, at 21.4 per cent of the estimated pollution load.

Festive activity added concern as Diwali approached. Stubble burning contributed 1.7 per cent on Saturday and was projected to rise to 5.4 per cent on Sunday. Satellite data also detected 589 crop-residue burning incidents across six states on Friday. Together, these sources threatened further deterioration while GRAP Stage III remained active.

Wind and ventilation help move pollutants away from where they are released. When both are weak, emissions from vehicles, celebrations and other sources cannot disperse efficiently. The article’s warning system identified low ventilation and average wind speeds below 10 kilometres per hour as important risks.

The mechanism is straightforward: pollutants remain concentrated in the atmosphere rather than being carried away. This can raise pollution levels across nearby areas, especially when new emissions continue. In Delhi, PM10 was identified as the main pollutant on Saturday, while transport was estimated to be the largest pollution contributor.

That stagnant situation helped Delhi reach a citywide AQI of 384 on Diwali morning. Eleven monitoring stations recorded severe readings above 400, with Punjabi Bagh reaching 450. Since weak winds were expected to continue contributing to poor dispersion, authorities kept GRAP Stage III restrictions in force across Delhi-NCR to limit additional emissions.

GRAP Stage III is a set of restrictions introduced when worsening pollution is expected. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked it across Delhi-NCR on November 6 as a precaution before Diwali. Its purpose is to reduce activities that add dust and emissions while pollution levels are already high.

Non-essential construction and demolition work that generates dust was prohibited. Stone crushers and mining-related activities were restricted. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles faced restrictions in Delhi and the adjoining NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Some diesel goods vehicles were also restricted.

Schools through Class V could choose hybrid classes. Authorities could consider allowing 50 per cent of government and private office employees to work from home. Residents were advised to use public transport, share vehicles, walk or cycle for short trips, and avoid burning coal or wood. The measures remained in force as pollution concerns continued.

Transport was the largest identified contributor to Delhi’s pollution on Saturday. The Delhi government’s Decision Support System estimated that the sector accounted for 21.4 per cent of the city’s pollution load. This figure highlights the importance of vehicle emissions in the worsening air quality.

Stubble burning contributed a smaller estimated share of 1.7 per cent on Saturday. However, the share was projected to increase to 5.4 per cent on Sunday. Satellite data detected 589 crop-residue burning incidents across six states on Friday, including 357 in Punjab, 139 in Madhya Pradesh and 58 in Rajasthan.

These figures describe estimated contributions, not identical amounts of pollution. They show that transport was the bigger source in the Saturday assessment, while agricultural fires were expected to become more influential. Across the six states, 6,226 farm-fire incidents were detected between September 15 and November 6, adding to concerns around Diwali.

PM10 means particulate matter with particles measuring 10 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles are small enough to enter the respiratory system. The article identifies PM10 as Delhi’s main pollutant on Saturday, but it does not define PM10 or explain its health effects.

Based on established health knowledge, breathing high concentrations can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. It can worsen coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulty, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Repeated or prolonged exposure is also associated with increased risks to lung and cardiovascular health. These health details come from general scientific knowledge, not from the article.

Delhi’s concern was intensified by an AQI of 384 and severe readings above 400 at 11 stations. Low ventilation and winds below 10 kilometres per hour made it harder for PM10 and other pollutants to disperse. The article reports restrictions, but it does not provide medical guidance or outcome data.