Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates to Severe Levels Before Diwali 2025

Delhi’s air quality crisis intensified on Sunday as the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 274 at 5:30 am, maintaining the “poor” category for the sixth consecutive day. The situation has grown dire ahead of Diwali celebrations, with several monitoring stations slipping into the “very poor” and “severe” zones, raising serious health concerns for residents.

Alarming AQI Readings Across Delhi

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), multiple areas across the capital reported hazardous pollution levels by 7 am. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 426, entering the “severe” zone, while RK Puram (322) and Vivek Vihar (349) remained in the “very poor” category. Other significantly affected areas included Ashok Vihar (304), Bawana (303), and Jahangirpuri (314). By Saturday afternoon, nine out of 38 monitoring stations reported “very poor” air quality, inching toward severe levels.

NCR Region Shows Similar Pollution Pattern

The National Capital Region faced comparable air quality challenges. Loni in Ghaziabad registered an AQI of 341, while Noida’s Sector 125 and Gurugram’s Sector 51 both recorded 342, all classified as “very poor.” Transport emissions emerged as the largest single pollution contributor at 15.6% of Delhi’s total pollution load on Saturday.

Experts have warned that vehicular emissions combined with festive firecrackers and stubble burning could push air quality into the severe zone in coming days. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and avoid using firecrackers during Diwali to prevent further deterioration. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts pollution levels will remain in the “poor to very poor” range through the festival period.