New Delhi: Delhi and its neighboring areas woke up to dense smog this morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining firmly in the "very poor" range despite various anti-pollution efforts. Real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showed an AQI reading of 328 on Diwali morning, a level classified as "very poor."

The AQI scale ranges from 0-50 for good air, 51-100 for satisfactory, 101-200 for moderate, 201-300 for poor, 301-400 for very poor, 401-450 for severe, and above 450 for severe-plus. Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, recorded an AQI of 419, reaching the "severe" level. Other areas with "very poor" air quality included Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Dwarka, IGI Airport, Mundka, and several others.

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, air quality is expected to stay in the "very poor" range on Thursday and Friday. However, additional emissions from firecrackers and crop residue fires could push levels into the severe category. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services noted that shifting winds from south-southeast to northwesterly may carry smoke from stubble burning into Delhi. If firecrackers are used, the altered wind pattern could worsen air quality by trapping more pollutants.

Last year’s Diwali on November 12 saw Delhi record its best AQI in eight years on Diwali day at 218. Post-harvest stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab during October and November is often blamed for the annual spike in Delhi’s pollution levels.

Strict Measures in Delhi for Diwali
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai reported that 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers across the city. Police are also involved, with each district’s Deputy Commissioner forming specialized teams to prevent firecracker use. For the past few weeks, Delhi has experienced hazardous air, leading authorities to implement stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) last week.

Stage two includes restrictions on coal and firewood, limits on diesel generator use, daily road sweeping, water sprinkling, and enforced dust control at construction sites. Additional measures include increasing parking fees, enhancing public transport, deploying traffic personnel, and advising residents to use public transport to reduce vehicle use. People are also encouraged to replace vehicle air filters regularly, avoid construction that generates dust, and abstain from open burning of waste and biomass.