Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Delhi air pollution worsens as Diwali firework restrictions take effect
Delhi’s air quality has worsened as winter approaches, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index in the “very poor” category on Wednesday.
Some areas of the capital recorded “severe” pollution, which can affect healthy people and seriously harm those with existing illnesses.
Low winds, falling temperatures and crop burning have added to pollution from vehicles and dust.
Fireworks during Diwali, which is just days away, could make the air dirtier.
Authorities have brought in pollution controls to limit dust, vehicle emissions and other sources.
The Supreme Court has allowed certified green firecrackers only at set times on November 7 and 8, and has ordered checks to stop illegal products being sold.
Delhi’s air is expected to remain in the “very poor” category for three days, while enforcement of the firecracker rules remains a challenge.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 379 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, in the “very poor” category.
Several areas, including ITO, Dwarka and Rohini, recorded “severe” air pollution.
The Central government’s early warning system expected Delhi’s air quality to remain “very poor” for three days.
Authorities invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan to curb dust, vehicle emissions and other pollution sources.
Low wind speeds, falling temperatures, crop-residue burning and firecrackers add to pollution from vehicles and dust.
- Who
- Delhi residents, with people who have existing illnesses particularly affected.
- What
- Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 379, while several areas recorded “severe” pollution.
- When
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026; the AQI reading of 379 was recorded at 9 a.m.
- Where
- Delhi, including ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana and Jahangirpuri.
- Why
- Low wind speeds, falling temperatures, crop-residue burning and firecrackers add to pollution from vehicles and dust.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 350 at 4 p.m., up from 324 a day earlier.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 379, while several areas recorded “severe” pollution.
The government’s early warning system said Delhi’s air quality was likely to remain “very poor” for three days.
- Delhi AQI
- 379 at 9 a.m. on November 4
- AQI category
- Very poor” for the city overall
- Severe-pollution areas
- ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana and Jahangirpuri
- Previous daily AQI
- 350 at 4 p.m. on November 3
- Response plan
- Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan
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What people are saying
Severe” level air pollution affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases