Day After Diwali, Delhi’s Pollution Levels Spike; AQI Hits ‘Severe’

On Tuesday, the city’s air quality remained in the inferior category, with a thick layer of smog lingering a day after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital stood at 351, slightly up from 345 on Diwali, according to the daily bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This year, Delhi celebrated the Festival of Lights with green fireworks, a move toward more eco-friendly celebrations. However, poor meteorological conditions, coupled with stubble burning in neighboring states, have worsened the air quality in the capital. Out of 38 monitoring stations in the city, 35 recorded ‘red zone’ levels.

How Bad Are Pollution Levels in Delhi?

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, addressing a briefing on Tuesday, noted that despite multiple contributing factors, AQI levels have remained relatively stable. He highlighted that Delhi’s AQI increased by only six points from 345 to 351 compared to Diwali day.

According to PTI, PM2.5 concentrations on Diwali were the worst in the last four years, peaking sharply at night at 675, a level not seen since 2021. In terms of AQI, the pollution level was 345 at 4 PM on Monday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. For comparison, AQI readings on Diwali were 330 in 2024, 218 in 2023, 312 in 2022, and 382 in 2021, as per CPCB data.