Delhi AQI peaks at 380 under 'very poor' in several areas, smog intensifies post-Diwali

Two days after Diwali, Delhi woke up to a heavy layer of smog on Wednesday, with air pollution levels surging sharply across the city. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 345, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. This marked the worst air pollution the national capital has faced in the last four years, according to a PTI report.

Certain areas faced even more hazardous conditions: early morning readings at Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and Dilshad Garden touched 380, while other parts of the capital, such as Lodhi Road, IGI Airport, and DTU, recorded AQI values under 300, falling in the ‘poor’ category. The 24-hour average AQI at 4 p.m. remained at 345, higher than Sunday’s 326, indicating that the city’s air quality continues to worsen.

Meanwhile, calm winds and stagnant air are preventing dispersal of pollutants, making the smog linger longer and likely become worse over the city.


With meteorologists warning of continued poor air circulation, Delhi’s residents are advised to take precautions, especially during early mornings and evenings when pollution peaks, reported TOI.

The Supreme Court had allowed limited use of green firecrackers on Diwali between specific hours, but the festive emissions have once again contributed to the city’s toxic air.

Stage II of pollution control plan

With forecasts predicting stagnant winds and lingering smog, authorities have implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

The decision, taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and based on inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), includes strict measures to curb pollution.

Under Stage II restrictions, construction sites must control dust, waste burning is tightly regulated, and mechanised road cleaning operations have been intensified.

Residents face health challenges

The smog has already begun affecting Delhiites, with many complaining of breathing problems, eye irritation, and throat discomfort.

“Pollution has been steadily increasing over the years, not just today,” said Sagar, a resident of East Delhi, told TOI. “While governments try to act, people themselves contribute—firecrackers are a choice, and the consequences are clear.”

Images from the morning showed landmarks such as Akshardham Temple partially obscured by haze.