Delhi's air quality at 'very poor' on Diwali morning
What's the story
The Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to toxic air on Diwali morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to "very poor." The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 335 at 8:00am on Saturday. An AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'
Pollution hotspots
Two monitoring stations in 'severe' category
Of the nearly 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, most recorded AQI levels above 300, falling under the "very poor" category. Anand Vihar (414) and Wazirpur (407) were among those in the "severe" category. The CPCB's forecast for the coming days predicts a further deterioration into "severe" air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Akshardham
#WATCH | Visuals from Akshardham temple as GRAP-2 invoked in Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2025
The Air Quality Index (AQI) around Akshardham was recorded at 411, in the 'Severe' category, in Delhi this morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/QD5N2oWJDM
Pollution appeal
GRAP 2 imposed
Ahead of Diwali, the Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR air quality announced on Sunday night that GRAP 2 restrictions will be imposed in the national capital. "The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and has been recorded as 296 at 4:00pmand 302 at 7:00pm. The forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts further deterioration of AQI in coming days," the Commission for Air Quality Management said. GRAP 2 is activated when air quality reaches the "very poor" category.
Firecracker restrictions
Supreme Court allows use of green firecrackers
Last week, the Supreme Court allowed only green firecrackers to be sold and burst in Delhi-NCR during Diwali. The use of these eco-friendly crackers is restricted to certain hours: 6:00 pm-7:00pm on the day before Diwali and 8:00 am-10:00pm on the festival day. This comes after a previous blanket ban on fireworks manufacture, sale, and use.