Delhi chokes on smog as air quality turns severe after Diwali

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category on Monday, a day after Diwali celebrations, with pollution levels crossing the 400-mark at several monitoring stations as a thick blanket of smog engulfed parts of the national capital.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 433, while Chandni Chowk and Mundka registered readings of 418 and 417, respectively.

The CPCB's Sameer app showed Delhi's 24-hour average AQI at 370. Several areas, including Bawana, Burari, ITO, Narela, Patparganj, Rohini and Vivek Vihar, also reported high pollution levels.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 335, while Indira Gandhi International Airport registered 301. The readings at RK Puram and Lodhi Road stood at 364 and 370, respectively.

The deterioration came after firecrackers were burst across the city on Sunday despite restrictions imposed by authorities. Thick smog reduced visibility in several parts of Delhi on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, some private monitoring platforms reported considerably higher pollution levels. AQI.in recorded a reading of 955 under US air quality standards, while its reading under Indian standards stood at 787.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday amid concerns over worsening pollution.

Under GRAP Stage III, additional restrictions and pollution-control measures remain in force, with authorities directed to intensify enforcement to prevent further deterioration.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi was expected to remain in the 'severe' category on November 8 and 9.