Delhi air reaches severe category after Diwali, pollution raises concern

Air quality in the national capital Delhi has reached dangerous levels following Diwali night. According to data from 2021 onwards, this has been Delhi's third most polluted Diwali, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded above 400, falling in the severe category, at most monitoring centers during the night.

Air remained in the severe category at nearly 80 percent of the operating centers between 10 pm on Diwali night and 6 am the next morning. However, data from more than half of the city's air quality monitoring stations stopped coming in around midnight. Out of 57 stations operating at 9 pm, the AQI had reached 400 or above at 61 percent of them.

According to data from major centers like Alipur, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Dilshad Garden, Narela and Punjabi Bagh, the average level of PM 2.5 reached 655 at 1 am following Diwali night. Previously, this level was recorded at 812 only in 2021 and 752 in 2025.

Despite restrictions imposed by the administration in the capital, firecrackers were burst until late at night in several areas including Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar, Rohini and Jangpura. The Delhi administration had permitted bursting green crackers only during specified hours on November 7 and 8, but violations of rules were witnessed in various parts of the city.

Pollution remained somewhat lower due to the weather being relatively warm and light winds blowing, otherwise pollution levels could have been even more severe. The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that Delhi's air may remain in the severe category for the next few days.

On the other hand, pollution increased massively in several cities of Punjab on Diwali night as well. The maximum AQI reached up to 500 in Ludhiana and Patiala, while it was recorded at 500 in Jalandhar and 432 in Amritsar.

Key developments

• AQI crossed 400 at over 80 percent of operating monitoring centers in Delhi on Diwali night.
• This was recorded as the capital's third most polluted Diwali since 2021.
• The average level of PM 2.5 reached up to 655 at 1 am after midnight.
• Firecrackers were burst until late at night in several areas of Delhi despite restrictions.
• AQI reached up to 500 in several cities including Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab.