World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
Delhi air quality remains very poor on Diwali eve
Delhi’s air quality was very poor on Saturday morning, the day before Diwali, with readings around 365.
The two reported city readings differ slightly, at 364 and 365, and some monitoring stations recorded severe pollution.
Schools up to Class 5 must offer hybrid classes, so pupils can attend in person or online.
The order applies to government and private schools and follows the introduction of Stage III pollution controls across Delhi-NCR.
Officials expect pollution to reach severe levels, and forecasts suggest Diwali could further affect air quality.
The school directive asks school heads to inform parents, while education officials are to check that schools follow the arrangement.
Delhi’s air quality was in the “very poor” category on the morning before Diwali, with India’s pollution board recording an AQI of 364 at 9 a.m.
Forecasts warned that pollution could reach the “severe” category, while IQAir ranked Delhi the world’s most polluted major city that morning.
Authorities directed schools in Delhi and nearby areas to offer online or hybrid classes and encouraged people to work from home.
Diwali falls on Sunday and is usually marked by widespread firecracker use, which can worsen air quality.
Reports gave differing readings and station counts, reflecting different times and monitoring sources.
- Who
- Delhi residents, schools and authorities are affected by the city’s pollution.
- What
- Air quality was “very poor”; forecasts warned it could become “severe.
- When
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, the day before Diwali.
- Where
- Delhi and the surrounding Delhi-NCR region.
- Why
- Pollution sources include vehicle emissions, construction dust and crop-waste smoke; firecrackers used during Diwali can worsen air quality.
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Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 382 at 4 p.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Commission for Air Quality Management imposed Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR.
The Central Pollution Control Board recorded Delhi’s AQI at 364, in the “very poor” category.
IQAir ranked Delhi first among major cities for air pollution, with a US AQI reading of 581.
Diwali was due to be celebrated.
- Official AQI
- 364 at 9 a.m. on November 7, according to the Central Pollution Control Board
- Previous-day AQI
- 382 at 4 p.m. on November 6, the 24-hour average
- IQAir ranking
- Delhi ranked first among major cities at 10:35 a.m.; US AQI 581
- Schools
- Classes up to Class 5 in Delhi were directed to operate in hybrid mode
- Severe-category stations
- 18 of 59 monitoring stations, according to The Hindu
- Diwali
- Sunday, November 8, 2026