Delhi Air Quality Drops to Very Poor on Diwali, Expected to Worsen

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category on Sunday, November 8, 2026, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. The city experienced an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, indicating significant pollution levels that caused thick smog and lowered visibility across the capital. Experts warn that the situation is likely to worsen on Monday as a result of ongoing Diwali celebrations combined with vehicular emissions and the peak season for agricultural stubble burning in nearby states.

Data collected from 59 monitoring stations revealed that 12 locations recorded air quality in the 'severe' bracket, while 22 stations reported 'very poor' conditions. Jahangirpuri registered the highest AQI reading at 463, which is well within the severe range. The citywide average AQI rose slightly from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday, hovering just below the threshold of 400 that marks the beginning of the 'severe' category.

The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi forecasts that the air pollution levels will remain severe for several days starting November 9. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI values are classified as follows: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. The current readings suggest that many areas are already experiencing air quality at the upper levels of this scale.

Several factors contribute to the worsening pollution. Meteorological conditions are unfavorable for dispersing pollutants, with a ventilation index below 6,000 square meters per second and average wind speeds under 10 kilometers per hour, both of which limit air movement. This stagnation traps pollutants close to the ground. Additionally, emissions from firecrackers during Diwali add to the particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which is the dominant pollutant impacting air quality.

Traffic emissions also play a significant role. According to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi, the transport sector is responsible for approximately 19 percent of the pollution on Sunday. Meanwhile, stubble burning in surrounding agricultural areas contributes around 3.5 percent of the pollution load, with projections indicating a slight decrease to 2.99 percent on Monday. These combined sources create a complex pollution mix that challenges efforts to maintain cleaner air in the capital.

Diwali, the festival of lights, traditionally involves widespread use of firecrackers, which release large amounts of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This seasonal increase in pollution has been a recurring problem for Delhi and other northern Indian cities, where winter weather conditions often exacerbate smog and poor air quality.

Residents are advised to take precautions such as limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing masks when pollution levels are high. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely and recommend minimizing the use of private vehicles to reduce emissions during this critical period.

Efforts to address Delhi's pollution problem include stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, promoting cleaner fuels, and encouraging alternatives to stubble burning. However, the seasonal spike around Diwali poses persistent challenges due to cultural practices and agricultural cycles.

With air quality expected to remain in the severe category for the coming days, the health risks associated with exposure to polluted air remain a significant concern for the millions living in and around the national capital. Continued vigilance and community cooperation will be essential to mitigate the impacts during this period.