Delhi and NCR face severe air quality on Diwali despite pollution curbs

AQI crossed 400 in several areas, with 'very poor' levels averaging 376 and expected to worsen to 'severe' after Diwali celebrations.

Edited by Sandeep Gupta, Editor · SafarSamachar Desk8 Nov 2026, 9:12 pm IST

Illustration

Illustration of Delhi NCR by SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance, for context. Not a photograph of this event.

Key facts at a glance

1Delhi and NCR experienced severe air quality on Diwali morning with AQI crossing 400 in several areas
2AQI averaged 376 on Diwali, in the 'very poor' category
3Air quality is expected to worsen to 'severe' after Diwali celebrations
4Stage 3 measures and curbs were implemented to reduce pollution
5Supreme Court allowed a window for green crackers on Diwali

Delhi and NCR experienced severe air quality on Diwali morning, with AQI crossing 400 in several areas. Despite Stage 3 measures and curbs aimed at reducing pollution, the situation remained dire. The Supreme Court had allowed a window for green crackers on Diwali, but this did not prevent the air quality from deteriorating.

AQI in Delhi averaged 376 on Diwali, falling into the 'very poor' category. In Jahangirpuri, AQI reached as high as 463. The air quality is expected to worsen further to 'severe' levels on Monday after Diwali celebrations. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and poor ventilation, contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.

PM2.5 was the predominant pollutant in Delhi on Diwali, with emissions from firecrackers adding to particulate matter levels. The transport sector was identified as the largest contributor to pollution, while stubble burning accounted for 3.5% of Delhi's pollution. Authorities shifted primary schools to online classes on Diwali due to the poor air quality.

Political disputes over farm fires in Punjab continued during Diwali, adding to the complexity of addressing the pollution crisis. The ventilation index was below 6,000 square metres per second, worsening pollution dispersion. AQI increased from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday in Delhi.

What this means for Indian travellers

If you are in Delhi or NCR and have respiratory issues, consider staying indoors and avoiding physical activity on Diwali and in the days following. Check local air quality updates regularly for changes in conditions.

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above, following our accuracy rules; it has not yet been individually reviewed by an editor. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.