Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' days after Diwali celebrations

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On 23 October at 8 am, the national capital recorded an AQI of 328, days after Diwali festivities filled the skies with smog.

Earlier, on 22 October, the city’s 24-hour average AQI touched 353 at 4 pm, the highest level recorded this season, up from 351 on 21 October and 345 on 20 October.

Neighbouring cities also affected

Air quality across Delhi-NCR remained unhealthy. Haryana’s Gurugram recorded an AQI of 280, while Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad was at 324. Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 336 and 316, respectively, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category.

Anand Vihar continued to be the most polluted, with the AQI reaching 428 on Thursday morning, according to the CPCB. Akshardham registered 350, while the area around the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) recorded 342.

No relief expected soon, says IMD

A dense smog shrouded the city during the day, with winds failing to exceed 7 kmph, reducing the dispersion of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that favourable conditions for clearing the air are unlikely in the coming days.

Wind speeds briefly improved on 22 October, helping disperse emissions from firecrackers, but began dropping again as temperatures fell. Forecasts from the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) indicate that Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category until Saturday, after which it may fluctuate between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ for the following six days.

GRAP Stage-II measures in effect

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reiterated that all actions under Stage I and Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) must be implemented and strictly monitored across the National Capital Region.

Authorities have been instructed to intensify dust control measures, maintain vigilance over construction and demolition sites, and ensure public adherence to GRAP citizen guidelines. The CAQM emphasised that agencies must act decisively to prevent further deterioration of air quality.