Delhi records AQI above 400 in some areas; air turns 'severe' on Diwali eve

Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate on Sunday, remaining in the 'severe' category in some parts of the national capital. For five consecutive days, the air quality had been in the 'poor' category and it further plunged today—just a day before Diwali. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Akshardham recorded an AQI of 426—categorised as 'severe'—marking one of the highest pollution levels in the city. Anand Vihar followed closely with an AQI of 418, while Barapulla registered 290, placing it in the 'poor' category on Sunday morning.

India Gate recorded an AQI of 269, and water sprinklers have been deployed to combat the rising pollution levels.

The surge in pollution is mainly linked to increased vehicular emissions, the city’s primary source on Saturday, contributing 15.6% of total emissions, according to the Decision Support System.

In the National Capital Region, Ghaziabad recorded a "very poor" AQI of 324, while Noida (298) and Gurugram (258) remained in the 'poor' category.

The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts similar conditions in the coming days, with no immediate relief expected. As Diwali approaches, air quality may worsen further due to firecracker use and stubble burning in neighbouring states.

On the weather front, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 33.5 degrees Celsius, 0.9 notch above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 19.6 degrees Celsius, 1.2 notches above normal.

The IMD has forecast a clear sky for Sunday, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 33 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 19 degrees Celsius.

Supreme Court allows green crackers

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court approved the use and sale of green crackers, which are considered less harmful than conventional fireworks. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai permitted green crackers from 18 to 21 October, restricting their use to 6 am–7 am and 6 pm–10 pm on these days.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR activated Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the AQI hovered between 201 and 300. Under this stage, 27 preventive measures must be strictly implemented across the NCR, including the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and dust control in road construction, repair, and maintenance activities, according to PTI.