Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 488 at 11:00 am on November 4, according to data from AQI.in. This alarming figure indicates that inhaling the city’s air is akin to smoking approximately 14 cigarettes daily. The situation has escalated just days before the Diwali festival, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.

On November 3, the average daily AQI was recorded at 410, highlighting a continuous decline in air quality. The recent measurements suggest that pollution levels have already surpassed those observed during Diwali last year, when the AQI reached 376 on October 20, 2025, and increased to 393 the following day.

With Diwali still four days away, on November 8, the current air quality readings prompt worries about how much worse the pollution could become as the festival approaches, typically a time when air quality deteriorates further due to increased firecracker usage and other factors.

Comparison with Previous Year’s Pollution Levels

The data indicates a worrying trend, as Delhi’s air quality has already exceeded last year’s post-Diwali levels before the festival has even commenced. The AQI figures from November 3 and 4 illustrate a rapid decline in air quality over a short period, raising alarms about the potential health risks for residents.

The AQI readings show that the capital’s air quality has worsened significantly in the last few days. The current levels are not only alarming but also suggest that the city is facing a more severe pollution crisis than experienced during the same period last year.

As the festival approaches, authorities and residents alike are left to ponder the implications of these rising pollution levels and the challenges they may pose for public health and safety during the festive season.

Factors Contributing to Air Pollution

Diwali is traditionally a time when air quality in Delhi is closely monitored, primarily due to the extensive use of firecrackers. The combustion of these fireworks releases a considerable amount of smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere, which can linger and exacerbate pollution levels in the days following the celebrations.

However, firecrackers are not the sole contributors to Delhi’s winter pollution crisis. Other significant factors include emissions from vehicles, construction dust, industrial discharges, and the burning of waste. As temperatures drop, stagnant winds and cooler nights hinder the dispersion of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate at ground level.

These environmental conditions create a perfect storm for air quality deterioration, making it increasingly challenging for authorities to manage pollution effectively during this period.

Government Initiatives and Their Impact

This year, authorities have implemented stricter pollution control measures in anticipation of Diwali. These initiatives include a new winter action plan featuring restrictions on specific vehicles, limitations on construction activities, and the enforcement of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to encourage the use of public transport.

On November 2, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to the alarming rise in pollution levels. This stage involves measures such as increased parking fees, restrictions on coal and firewood usage in restaurants, and stricter controls on diesel generators.

Despite these efforts, the latest AQI readings reveal that Delhi is already grappling with severe pollution before the festival. With Diwali approaching, the prospect of celebrating amidst such hazardous air quality raises concerns about the potential health impacts on the city’s residents.

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