The air quality in Delhi-NCR continued to worsen for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, as residents woke up to “very poor” air quality just days before Diwali. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) reported that the drop in wind speed has contributed to the poor dispersion of pollutants across the region, leading to a significant decline in air quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted misty conditions in the morning, followed by clear skies with the minimum temperature hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. Despite the sunny outlook, the visuals from across the capital showed a thin layer of smog blanketing the city, reducing visibility ahead of the Diwali celebrations.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 304 by 4 pm on Tuesday, marking the third straight day of “very poor” air quality. This was a slight improvement from Sunday’s AQI of 355 but still remains a significant cause for concern as pollution levels continue to rise.
Of the 40 monitoring stations in Delhi, data from Monday revealed that 23 stations, including locations such as Bawana, Rohini, Dwarka, and Anand Vihar, recorded air quality in the “very poor” category. Meanwhile, Delhi’s neighboring cities — Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Greater Noida, and Noida — reported slightly better conditions, with air quality in the “poor” category.
Air quality is classified into four stages by authorities: Stage I (poor) with an AQI of 201-300, Stage II (very poor) with an AQI of 301-400, Stage III (severe) for AQI levels between 401-450, and Stage IV (severe plus) for AQI levels above 450. The ongoing air quality situation in Delhi is firmly within Stage II, raising concerns about the potential health risks posed by the high pollution levels.
Experts have attributed the deteriorating air quality to the decrease in wind speed, which has affected the dispersion of pollutants, trapping them over the region. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, have been advised to take precautions during this period of high pollution.
In response to the worsening conditions, the Delhi government announced on Monday that it will deploy 10,000 civil defence volunteers to support pollution control efforts. These volunteers, who had previously worked as bus marshals, will now assist teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and the Transport Department in tackling the city’s growing pollution problem.
With less than two days until Diwali, authorities are urging residents to limit their outdoor activities and use protective measures as the capital continues to struggle with its air quality crisis.
