Air quality in major Indian cities worsened over the weekend, with Delhi becoming the most polluted metro ahead of Diwali. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and AQI.in, the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 295 on Sunday, slipping into the “poor” category – and reaching “severe” levels in several districts, raising health concerns among 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 respiratory distress and pose a risk to people with respiratory and heart conditions.
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated in several areas
Parts of Delhi witnessed hazardous air quality just a day before Diwali. CPCB data showed AQI levels above 400 at multiple monitoring stations, signaling “severe” conditions in the air.
- Akshardham: 426 (heavy)
- Anand Vihar: 418 (Heavy)
- Vivek Vihar: 349 (Very Poor)
- Dwarka: 327 (very poor)
- RK Puram: 322 (Very Poor)
- Jahangirpuri: 314 (very poor)
- Bawana: 303 (very bad)
- Barapulla: 290 (Bad)
- Indian wicket: 269 (poor)
- Okhla Phase 2: 289 (Bad)
- Narela: 266 (poor)
- Lodhi Road: 221 (Bad)
- Najafgarh: 212 (Bad)
Neighboring NCR cities mirrored this trend. The AQI in Loni (Ghaziabad) reached 341, while Noida sector 125 and Gurugram sector 51 recorded 342 each – all of which were categorized as “very poor”. Authorities deployed water sprinklers at several locations to contain rising pollution levels.
Metro-Wise AQI Levels across India
Ahead of the festival, Delhi topped the list of metros with the worst air quality, while several other major cities also reported “unhealthy” levels.
Weather conditions can exacerbate pollution
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 20.6°C and relative humidity of 71% on Sunday morning. With clear skies, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 33°C. However, falling temperatures and low wind speed in the coming days could further trap pollutants near the surface and worsen air quality during the Diwali festivities.
