Delhi has recorded its poorest air quality following Dussehra celebrations in five years, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 245 on Wednesday, October 21, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked the first instance this season that the capital’s air quality fell into the ‘poor’ category. On Thursday, October 22, the AQI further escalated to 358 at 8 am, indicating that the impact of fireworks during the festival continued to affect air quality significantly.

The CPCB had previously noted an AQI of 179 at 4 pm on October 20, which rose sharply to 245 the following day. The persistent high levels of pollution have raised concerns among health experts and environmentalists, as the air quality remains detrimental to public health.

In response to the alarming air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This involves implementing stringent measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Factors Contributing to Pollution Levels

The spike in the AQI is largely attributed to the Dussehra festivities, during which firecrackers and the burning of effigies release significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. However, experts note that the air quality issue is multifaceted and cannot be solely blamed on the festival.

Weather conditions play a critical role in pollution accumulation. Light winds can hinder the dispersal of pollutants, while lower temperatures can exacerbate the situation. Additionally, ongoing vehicle emissions, road dust, construction activities, and industrial discharges contribute to the overall pollution burden in the capital.

Furthermore, smoke from crop-residue burning in neighbouring states also adds to the pollution levels, depending on wind patterns and climatic conditions. The Air Quality Early Warning System, managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), has predicted that Delhi’s air quality will remain in the poor category from October 21 to 24.

Challenges in Managing Air Quality

The recent decline in air quality occurs as Delhi grapples with its annual pollution crisis. The beginning of October has been particularly challenging, with the average AQI from October 1 to 4 recorded at 174.5, the highest for that period since 2020. This figure surpasses the averages of 119.75 in 2025 and 167.25 in 2024.

On October 4, the AQI peaked at 187, marking the highest level in 83 days. This rise followed a brief period of improved air quality in September, attributed to rainfall and stronger winds that aided in dispersing pollutants. The monthly average AQI for September was recorded at 102, the lowest in five years.

As temperatures drop and wind speeds decrease, coupled with the ongoing festive season, the likelihood of worsening air quality increases. The CPCB has indicated that the most polluted hours typically occur around midnight, further complicating efforts to manage air quality in the capital.

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