Home

  /  

India

  /  

Trending

  /  

Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Shifts To Red Zone On Diwali Evening; 24 Zones In ‘Very Poor Category’, GRAP II Invoked

Out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, 24 reported ‘very poor’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded the worst pollution levels with an AQI reading of 409. The air quality in Delhi is likely to dip further into the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

by Ashmeet Guliani
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Shifts To Red Zone On Diwali Evening; 24 Zones In ‘Very Poor Category’, GRAP II Invoked

Delhi is celebrating Diwali in full swing, but the city is also grappling with rising pollution levels. On Sunday, the air quality dipped into the ‘very poor’ category in 24 zones across the capital. Anand Vihar, the worst-hit region, saw AQI readings crossing 400 and entering the ‘severe’ zone. Here’s more on this. 

Air Quality Dips Across Delhi NCR 

Delhi air pollution
Image Courtesy: @Galactsx/X

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 296 at 4 pm yesterday. By 10 pm, the air quality deteriorated further to 306, entering the ‘very poor’ category. As per a report by Deccan Herald, forecasts for the coming days indicate a similar trend, with air pollution expected to worsen. The air quality in Delhi is likely to dip further into the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, 24 reported ‘very poor’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded the worst pollution levels with an AQI reading of 409. Here’s how a few other areas fared:

  • Wazirpur: 346
  • Vivek Vihar: 351
  • Dwarka: 335
  • RK Puram: 323
  • Punjabi Bagh: 313
  • Nehru Nagar: 310
  • Ashok Vihar: 305
  • Bawana: 304
  • Siri Fort, Dilshad Garden, Jahangirpuri: 318

Also Read: Delhi Struggles With Poor AQI Ahead Of Diwali; Learn 5 Simple Ways To Reduce Air Pollution This Festive Season

Stage II Of GRAP Invoked To Tackle Rising Pollution 

As per a report by The Times of India, following the sharp rise in pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi NCR. But what’s causing this sudden spike in pollution? It’s quite common for air pollution and smog to rise in Delhi before Diwali and the onset of winter. However, according to a report by Deccan Herald, transport emissions alone contributed 15.1% to Delhi’s air pollution on Sunday.

There are still ways to help reduce the city’s pollution levels: carpooling, using public transport, and opting for green crackers. Last week, the Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of eco-friendly or green firecrackers in Delhi NCR. However, their use will be limited to specific hours: from 8 pm to 10 pm on the day of the festival.

Also Read: Diwali In Delhi: 2 Lakh Diyas To Light Up Kartavya Path, Drone Show, Cultural Performances; Deets Inside

Delhi’s air pollution is clearly on the rise again. Do you follow any tips to keep the air quality indoors clean? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: @VzKumar/X

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: October 20, 2025 9:56 AM