Delhi air quality worsens as AQI dips to ‘very poor’ category in several areas | Details

With pollution levels rising ahead of Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has entered the ‘very poor’ category. Health experts urge citizens to wear masks and stay indoors, while the Delhi government explores artificial rain through cloud seeding to tackle pollution.

The air quality in the national capital continued to deteriorate on Friday, slipping further into the ‘very poor’ category at several monitoring stations across Delhi-NCR, just days before Diwali celebrations. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Akshardham stood at 369, while Anand Vihar recorded 363, both falling in the very poor bracket.

Meanwhile, Wazirabad registered an AQI of 293 (poor), ITI Jahangirpuri stood at 228, and Punjabi Bagh at 226. In nearby Ghaziabad, the situation was no better — Loni recorded a concerning 332 AQI, also in the very poor range.

On Thursday, Delhi’s overall AQI had remained in the ‘poor’ category, but localized spikes pushed certain zones to ‘very poor’ levels. Pollution levels are expected to rise further due to increased vehicular emissions, stagnant wind patterns, and the burning of firecrackers and stubble in neighboring states.

AQI categories and their impact

As per CPCB standards:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

An AQI above 300 can lead to respiratory discomfort for most people and serious health effects for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or heart disease.

Experts advise caution

With pollution levels worsening, health experts have recommended that citizens wear N95 masks when outdoors, avoid early morning walks or runs, and use air purifiers indoors. Children, senior citizens, and pregnant women are advised to stay indoors as much as possible.

“Exposure to high AQI can cause throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure is even more dangerous as it increases the risk of chronic lung and heart diseases,” said Dr. Rajeev Gupta, pulmonologist at Safdarjung Hospital.

He added that residents should “keep windows closed during peak hours of smog, and increase intake of fluids and antioxidant-rich foods.”

Delhi government considers artificial rain

In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government is exploring cloud seeding — a form of artificial rain — as an emergency pollution control measure. The operation, expected around a day after Diwali, depends on suitable weather conditions.

“When the Meteorological Department gives us the green signal, we will conduct a cloud-seeding trial. We are prepared and can initiate the process within hours once permission is granted,” said Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

He confirmed that pilot training and aircraft trials have already been conducted successfully over the designated areas. “Our teams have completed four days of familiarization training. We’re ready to proceed as soon as cloud conditions are favorable,” Sirsa added.

Why Delhi’s air worsens every October

Every year, post-monsoon weather patterns trap pollutants closer to the ground, creating a thick haze across northern India. In addition, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and construction dust contribute to Delhi’s toxic air.

According to environmental experts, these factors combined with low wind speed and temperature inversion lead to poor air dispersion — turning the city into a gas chamber during October and November.

Looking ahead

Authorities have already activated GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) measures, including restrictions on construction activities, diesel generators, and the use of older vehicles. However, experts believe long-term solutions require regional cooperation and public awareness rather than just emergency interventions.

For now, residents of Delhi-NCR are bracing for another smog-laden Diwali, hoping that government initiatives and favorable weather conditions may provide some relief in the coming days.