Delhi's air quality plummets to severe levels as Diwali nears

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index climbing to 331 and encompassing swathes of the city in the severe pollution zone. The escalation comes as residents prepare for Diwali celebrations, traditionally accompanied by increased vehicular emissions and firecracker bursting.

The severe classification—typically defined as AQI readings above 300—poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Multiple monitoring stations across Delhi registered hazardous air quality readings, with some areas experiencing conditions that health experts recommend warrant restrictions on outdoor activities.

Meteorological conditions, including reduced wind speeds and temperature inversions common to the pre-winter season, have trapped pollutants closer to ground level. Emissions from construction activity, industrial operations, and stubble burning in neighboring states have compounded the deterioration, creating a thick haze over the region.

Authorities have urged residents to adopt preventative measures, including the use of air purifiers and N95 masks for those venturing outdoors. Traffic management and construction restrictions remain in effect under the Graded Response Action Plan to mitigate further degradation of air quality during the festival period.