Which metro city has the worst AQI ahead of Diwali? Check area-wise data here
Delhi’s air quality plunged into the “severe” category in several parts of the city on Sunday, with Akshardham recording an AQI of 426 ahead of Diwali. The national capital reported the worst air quality among major metros, while Mumbai, Hyderabad and Surat also reported unhealthy levels.
Air quality across major Indian cities deteriorated over the weekend, with Delhi emerging as the most polluted metro ahead of Diwali. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and AQI.in, the national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 295 on Sunday, slipping into the “poor” category — and reached “severe” levels in several neighbourhoods, raising health concerns for residents.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as “poor,” 301-400 as “very poor,” and anything above 400 as “severe.” At these levels, prolonged exposure can cause breathing difficulties and pose risks to individuals with respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Delhi’s Air Quality Plunges to ‘Severe’ in Several Areas
Parts of Delhi witnessed hazardous air quality just a day before Diwali. CPCB data showed AQI levels above 400 in multiple monitoring stations, signalling “severe” air conditions.
- Akshardham: 426 (Severe)
- Anand Vihar: 418 (Severe)
- Vivek Vihar: 349 (Very Poor)
- Dwarka: 327 (Very Poor)
- RK Puram: 322 (Very Poor)
- Jahangirpuri: 314 (Very Poor)
- Bawana: 303 (Very Poor)
- Barapulla: 290 (Poor)
- India Gate: 269 (Poor)
- Okhla Phase 2: 289 (Poor)
- Narela: 266 (Poor)
- Lodhi Road: 221 (Poor)
- Najafgarh: 212 (Poor)
Neighbouring NCR cities mirrored this trend. AQI in Loni (Ghaziabad) stood at 341, while Noida Sector 125 and Gurugram Sector 51 recorded 342 each — all categorised as “very poor.” Authorities deployed water sprinklers in several locations to contain rising pollution levels.
Metro-Wise AQI Levels Across India
Delhi topped the list of metros with the worst air quality ahead of the festival, while several other major cities also reported “unhealthy” levels.
Weather Conditions May Worsen Pollution
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 20.6°C and a relative humidity of 71% on Sunday morning. A maximum temperature of around 33°C is expected with clear skies. However, falling temperatures and low wind speeds over the coming days could further trap pollutants close to the surface, worsening air quality during Diwali festivities.