Delhi-NCR is witnessing deteriorating air quality as the city celebrates Diwali, with toxic air prompting Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to be enforced. The Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the &ldquo;very poor&rdquo; category on Sunday evening, reaching &lsquo;severe&rsquo; levels at some monitoring stations.
On Diwali eve, 24 out of 38 monitoring stations recorded AQI in the &ldquo;very poor&rdquo; range, while Anand Vihar crossed 400, entering the severe zone. By Monday morning, most stations reported AQI above 300, with Anand Vihar at 414 and Wazirpur peaking at 419. Only two stations had moderate or better air quality.
Stage 2 GRAP includes stricter pollution control measures such as enforcement on diesel generator sets, restrictions on interstate buses not running on EV, CNG, or BS-VI diesel, and higher parking fees to reduce private vehicle use. These steps aim to curb air pollution during the festival season.
The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers within specified hours during Diwali. However, despite these efforts, the air remains hazardous, especially in areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur.
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.3&deg;C and a minimum of 20.6&deg;C, slightly above seasonal averages. Mist is expected Monday morning, with temperatures hovering around 33&deg;C maximum and 21&deg;C minimum. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories.
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Toxic air engulfs Delhi-NCR as Stage 2 GRAP curbs kick in; green crackers allowed

Delhi AQI Worsens Amid Diwali Celebrations

Toxic air engulfs Delhi-NCR as Stage 2 GRAP curbs kick in; green crackers allowed

October 20, 2025 | 13:06 IST