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Delhi’s Diwali Eve AQI Plummets as 21 Stations Record Severe Pollution
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 09:55 AM
👁 13
The HT Pollution Dashboard reported that on Diwali eve, Delhi’s air quality hit ‘very poor’ levels, with 21 monitoring stations showing ‘severe’ readings and 30 in the ‘very poor’ category.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on the evening of Diwali, as the Hindustan Times Pollution Dashboard recorded an alarming rise in pollutant concentrations across the capital. The real‑time monitoring network logged 21 stations where the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the ‘severe’ bracket, indicating health‑risk levels that can affect even healthy individuals.
In addition to the severe readings, another 30 stations were classified under the ‘very poor’ category, the second‑worst tier on the AQI scale. Such widespread poor air quality is attributed to a combination of festive firecracker emissions, vehicular traffic, and seasonal weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Authorities have issued health advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use masks. The city’s pollution control board is monitoring the situation closely and is expected to enforce stricter emission norms in the coming days.
The data underscores a persistent challenge for Delhi’s policymakers, who must balance cultural celebrations with public health safeguards. Continued monitoring and timely interventions remain critical to prevent further deterioration of air quality during peak festive periods.
In addition to the severe readings, another 30 stations were classified under the ‘very poor’ category, the second‑worst tier on the AQI scale. Such widespread poor air quality is attributed to a combination of festive firecracker emissions, vehicular traffic, and seasonal weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Authorities have issued health advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use masks. The city’s pollution control board is monitoring the situation closely and is expected to enforce stricter emission norms in the coming days.
The data underscores a persistent challenge for Delhi’s policymakers, who must balance cultural celebrations with public health safeguards. Continued monitoring and timely interventions remain critical to prevent further deterioration of air quality during peak festive periods.