Delhi-NCR Air Quality Plummets to Hazardous Levels During Diwali Festivities

The Delhi-NCR region experienced severe air quality deterioration during Diwali celebrations, with pollution levels reaching hazardous thresholds as smoke engulfed major cities. The Air Quality Index approached 400 in several areas, prompting urgent intervention from environmental authorities.

In response to the crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The escalated measures were implemented to mitigate the rapid spike in particulate matter and gaseous pollutants that accumulated during the festive period.

Stage 3 of GRAP typically includes stricter restrictions on vehicular movement, construction activities, and industrial operations. The protocol represents the third level of intervention in a four-stage framework designed to combat seasonal air quality deterioration in the region.

The deterioration underscores the recurring challenge Delhi-NCR faces during winter months, when meteorological conditions trap pollutants near ground level. Diwali celebrations, marked by widespread firecracker bursting, compound the problem by introducing additional particulates into already compromised air masses.

Authorities continued monitoring atmospheric conditions to determine whether further escalation to Stage 4 would be necessary.