Smoky Morning After Diwali Firecrackers, Delhi AQI Hits 449, Breathing Becomes Difficult

New Delhi: The effect of fireworks on Diwali is now clearly visible in the air of Delhi-NCR. On Monday morning, the pollution level reached severe category in many areas of the capital. A thick layer of smog remained on the roads and in residential areas, due to which people are facing difficulty in breathing. Visibility also reduced at many places due to smog and fog. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi's average AQI at 6 am was recorded at 366, while it crossed 400 at 15 monitoring stations.

In which areas the air was the worst?

Sonia Vihar was recorded as the most polluted area in Delhi, where the AQI reached 449. Apart from this, 445 AQI was recorded in Burari Crossing, 441 in Vivek Vihar, 439 in Jahangirpuri and 437 in North Campus.

#WATCH | Delhi: Air Quality Index (AQI) at ITO is 406, categorised as 'Severe', as per the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). (Visuals shot at 04:20 am) https://t.co/dNLD5CGyVl

— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2026

Talking about other areas, AQI was 435 in Rohini, 431 in DTU, 424 in Bawana and 418 in Chandni Chowk and Patparganj. Whereas AQI was 413 in Mundka, 408 in Narela and Punjabi Bagh and 404 in ITO and Commonwealth Sports Complex.

How is the pollution situation in Noida and Ghaziabad?

The air quality in Noida and Ghaziabad adjacent to Delhi also remains worrying. AQI 404 was recorded in Sector-62 of Noida at 5 am on Monday. It was 324 in Sector-1 and 314 in Sector-39. AQI 335 was recorded in Knowledge Park-V, Greater Noida.

AQI was recorded at 395 in Ghaziabad's Vasundhara, 390 in Wave City, 377 in Loni and 333 in Indirapuram. It is clear from these figures that after Diwali, the effect of pollution is being seen in the entire NCR.

Will dense fog also increase the problem?

Amidst pollution, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of dense to very dense fog in many areas of Delhi. Special vigilance has been advised in South-East Delhi, East Delhi and Shahdara. Fog may reduce visibility in the morning and night, causing problems for people traveling on the road.

The combined effect of pollution and fog can increase people's problems. In such a situation, there is a need to be careful, especially for children, elderly people and people suffering from respiratory problems.