Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates Ahead of Diwali Celebrations

As Diwali approaches, Delhi's air quality has been classified as 'very poor' for four consecutive days, with experts warning of further deterioration. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an alarming AQI of 369, with predictions that it could reach 'severe' levels over the weekend. The primary contributors to this pollution are toxic vehicle emissions, overshadowing the impact of stubble burning. With the festive season around the corner, residents are urged to stay informed about the worsening air conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2026, 20:23 IST

Worsening Air Quality in Delhi

New Delhi is facing alarming air quality levels just before the Diwali festive season. For the fourth consecutive day, the air quality in the capital has been classified as 'very poor'. Meteorologists and environmental experts warn that a further decline in air quality is expected starting Friday, potentially pushing it into the 'severe' category.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 4 PM on Thursday, Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 369. This figure was slightly lower than the 377 recorded at the same time the previous day, which was dangerously close to the 'severe' category. Earlier in the week, the AQI was 350 on Tuesday and 324 on Monday. Out of all active air quality monitoring stations in the city, 18 have already reported 'severe' air quality levels. The Jahangirpuri area recorded the highest AQI level at 454.

The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401-500 is 'severe'.

The Air Quality Early Warning System has issued a forecast indicating that the air quality in Delhi will remain in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with further deterioration expected from Friday to Sunday, likely reaching 'severe' levels. The bulletin also suggests that for the next six days, the air quality in the capital will fluctuate between 'severe' and 'very poor'.

An analysis by the Decision Support System, which examines the causes of air pollution in Delhi, indicates that on November 7, the primary contributor to the city's deteriorating air quality will be toxic emissions from vehicles, rather than stubble burning. The Ministry of Earth Sciences' Decision Support System estimated that stubble burning contributed 20.2% to pollution, while vehicle emissions accounted for 15.5%. On Thursday, stubble burning's contribution was recorded at 15.601%, with predictions of an increase to 19.201% on Friday, followed by a significant drop to 1.575% on Saturday.