New Delhi: Delhi-NCR residents woke up on Monday to toxic air, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 335, landing in the “very poor” category. After a night of Diwali celebrations in 2025, firecrackers blanketed the city in smoke, causing severe noise pollution and making it hard to breathe. The Delhi NCR air quality during Diwali 2025 has become a severe concern for the region.
As a result, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) warns that air quality could deteriorate further, possibly reaching “severe” levels by Tuesday and Wednesday. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the crisis. The Delhi NCR air quality Diwali situation requires urgent measures.
Under this plan, authorities launched mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, stricter construction site inspections, and hotspot interventions. They restricted diesel generator use to essential services such as hospitals, railways, Metros, airports, and national security projects. Meanwhile, traffic officers worked to ease congestion, while higher parking fees and extra CNG/electric buses, along with Metro off-peak incentives, encouraged residents to leave private vehicles at home.
Additionally, citizens should avoid burning waste, use public transport, and follow safety guidelines under the Citizen Charter for Stages I and II. Resident Welfare Associations must provide electric heating to prevent biomass burning, and only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel inter-state buses may enter Delhi. The Delhi NCR air quality Diwali poses challenges that demand community action.
Overall, the surge in pollution, driven by stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and stagnant winds, highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation to fight winter smog. CPCB and CAQM continue monitoring the situation and share regular updates to keep the public informed.
