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Delhi Diwali: Air Quality Improves, AQI Down by 50% vs. 2024

On Diwali night, the air in Delhi-NCR became toxic again due to firecrackers and stubble burning, but the only relief is that the pollution level was almost half compared to Diwali 2024 (October 31).

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Edited By: Nishchay
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Diwali Hope: Delhi’s Air Quality Halves Its 2024 Readings (TIN)

Delhi AQI level After Diwali Celebration: On Diwali night, the air in Delhi-NCR became toxic again due to firecrackers and stubble burning, but the only relief is that the pollution level was almost half compared to Diwali 2024 (October 31). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 352 at 8 am on Tuesday (October 21), which falls in the 'very poor' category. It was 346 at 5 am, 347 at 6 am, and 351 at 7 pm. Of the 38 monitoring stations, 36 have reached the 'red zone' (301-500), with four stations in the 'severe' (above 400) category.

Last year, on the night of October 31st, the AQI reached over 900—911 in Vaishali and 806 in Karkardooma—while this time the maximum was 423 (Wazirpur). However, there is a possibility of reaching 'severe' levels on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently, the second phase of GRAP restrictions is in place, which includes a ban on construction work and restrictions on vehicles.

AQI levels at major stations 

AQI levels at major monitoring stations around 5-6 am were as follows:

  • 338 to 389 ('very poor') at Dwarka Sector-8
  • 387 ('very poor') at Burari, 299 ('poor') at IGI Airport
  • 343 ('very poor') at Padparganj, 350 ('very poor') at Mundka
  • 341 to 352 ('very poor') at Anand Vihar
  • 341 to 347 ('very poor') at Chandni Chowk
  • 328 ('very poor') at Mandir Marg
  • 347 ('very poor') at ITO, 315 ('very poor') at Lodhi Road
  • 351 ('very poor') at Pusa, 418 ('severe') at Bawana
  • 408 to 423 at Wazirpur. ('severe')
  • Jahangirpuri 404 ('severe')
  • Burari Crossing 393 ('very poor')
  • Shadipur 393 ('very poor')
  • Major Dhyan Chand Stadium 358 ('very poor')
  • Aya Nagar 349 ('very poor')
  • Ashok Vihar also recorded 404 ('severe')

Comparison: Diwali 2024 vs 2025

Comparing Diwali 2024 and 2025, the overall AQI decreased from 900+ to 346-352, the maximum level decreased from 911 to 423, and the affected stations were almost all confined to the red zone, with 36 out of 36 stations falling from 600+. The main reasons remained firecrackers and stubble burning, but with the permission of the Supreme Court, green firecrackers were burst only between 6-7 am and 8-10 pm this time. Transportation emissions contributed 15.6 percent of pollution sources, while industries and other factors contributed 23.3 percent. High PM2.5 and PM10 levels pose a risk of increasing respiratory illnesses.

Key Reasons and Advice

Delhiites are advised to wear masks, limit outdoor activities, and regularly check the AQI using the SAMEER app. BS-III vehicles are banned under GRAP. Sustained efforts are essential for long-term air quality improvement. Check the CPCB website for the latest updates. If you need more information on a specific station or trend, please let us know!

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