Severe Air Pollution Hits Delhi Ahead of Diwali

New Delhi, Oct 19, 2025: Delhi is facing dangerous air pollution levels just before Diwali, with several areas recording extremely poor air quality. For the sixth consecutive day, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained high, raising health concerns. Akshardham reported an AQI of 426, classified as ‘severe’, while Anand Vihar followed closely with 418. Barapulla recorded 290, in the ‘poor’ category. Authorities have deployed water sprinklers at key locations like India Gate to curb pollution, where the AQI was 269. The pollution surge is primarily due to increased vehicular emissions, which accounted for over 15% of total pollutants on Saturday. Other areas such as Wazirpur (351), Jahangirpuri (310), and Dwarka (310) are also heavily affected. Surrounding regions in the National Capital Region (NCR) are facing similar conditions. Ghaziabad’s AQI reached 324 (‘very poor’), while Noida (298) and Gurugram (258) remained in the ‘poor’ range. Weather conditions have worsened the situation, with stagnant air preventing the dispersion of pollutants. Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 33.5°C and a minimum of 19.6°C on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department forecasts clear skies with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 33°C, offering little relief from pollution. The upcoming Diwali festival may further deteriorate air quality as firecracker use and crop residue burning in nearby states contribute to smog. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts similar hazardous conditions over the next few days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to intensify measures to control emissions and protect residents. The sustained high pollution levels have raised health alerts, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Experts advise minimizing outdoor activities, using masks, and keeping windows closed to reduce exposure. Residents are also urged to avoid burning waste or using personal firecrackers to prevent worsening air quality. The severe pollution ahead of Diwali highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to manage emissions and improve Delhi’s air quality. Delhi’s persistent smog has become a recurring concern during winter months, making this festival season especially challenging for the city’s residents. Delhi Chokes as Air Pollution Hits Hazardous Levels Ahead of Diwali New Delhi, Oct 19, 2025: Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution just before Diwali, with areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar recording AQI levels of 426 and 418, respectively. Barapulla, India Gate, and other parts also report poor to very poor air quality. The surge is driven by vehicle emissions and stagnant weather, which prevent dispersal of pollutants. Surrounding NCR regions, including Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram, face similar conditions. Authorities have deployed sprinklers and are monitoring the situation closely. With Diwali approaching, residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and take precautions to reduce exposure.