New Delhi: The national capital and its adjoining regions continue to reel under deteriorating air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “very poor” category for the third consecutive day after Diwali. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 362 as of 6 am on Thursday. It led to the enforcement of the Graded Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II in the force across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The pollution levels varied across localities with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI at 42, falling under the “severe” category. RK Puram reported an AQI of 362, Patparganj 361, India Gate 353, AIIMS 342, and Akshardham 350, all classified as “very poor.” Despite implementation of curbs under GRAP-II, pollution levels have shown little improvement post-Diwali.
‘Delhi’s post-Diwali air quality this year better than previous years’
A day after Diwali, the overall AQI was recorded at 351 and experts had already cautioned that the city’s AQI would worsen as winter sets in. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a review meeting earlier this week and invoked a 12-point action plan to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said efforts are being made to contain pollution levels despite rising construction activity and vehicle registrations. “Delhi’s post-Diwali air quality this year is better than several previous years. In 2020, the AQI was 462, while it stood at 360 in 2024 and 351 in 2025,” Sirsa said.