New Delhi:
A day before Diwali, the national capital’s air quality slipped into the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday evening, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The worsening pollution levels have raised concerns over a possible spike to ‘severe’ levels once firecracker emissions add to the mix on the festival night.
CAQM activates Stage 2 restrictions
Under Stage 2 of GRAP, the use of diesel generator (DG) sets has been banned across the National Capital Region (NCR), except for essential services such as hospitals and emergency facilities. The order also bars entry of interstate buses running on fuels other than electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel into Delhi.
The CAQM stated that these measures are precautionary and necessary to prevent further deterioration in the coming days, given the combined effect of unfavourable weather conditions and expected Diwali emissions.
AQI crosses 300-mark
At 4 pm on Sunday, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 296, placing it in the upper end of the ‘poor’ category. By 7 pm, the AQI crossed into the ‘very poor’ range at 302, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
Meteorological experts said the drop was primarily due to calm winds and low temperatures, which trap pollutants close to the ground. “The air quality is likely to worsen to the higher end of the ‘very poor’ category on Diwali day and could touch the ‘severe’ range by Tuesday,” an IMD official said.
Weather conditions to worsen pollution
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast said that stable atmospheric conditions and low wind speeds over the next few days would hinder the dispersion of pollutants. “The impact of emissions from firecrackers is expected to persist in the atmosphere through the week. There will be little to no improvement until at least Friday,” the report noted.
Experts also highlighted that the combination of vehicle emissions, industrial output, and biomass burning from neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana continues to aggravate Delhi’s pollution problem during this time of the year.
Citizens brace for toxic air
Health experts have urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours when pollution levels peak. “Even short-term exposure to such high AQI levels can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and aggravate pre-existing respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Randeep Guleria, pulmonologist and former AIIMS director.
Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid bursting firecrackers and instead opt for eco-friendly celebrations. Several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have announced cracker-free Diwali events, while schools have issued advisories urging parents to keep children indoors during peak pollution hours.
Delhi likely to face ‘severe’ air by Tuesday
Forecast models suggest that Delhi may record ‘severe’ air quality levels (AQI > 400) by Tuesday morning, with particulate matter (PM2.5) expected to reach dangerous concentrations. Analysts say the capital could experience one of its worst post-Diwali pollution episodes in recent years if meteorological conditions do not improve.
Despite annual efforts and bans, illegal sale and bursting of firecrackers remain a challenge. Enforcement teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and police have been deployed across markets to prevent violations.