Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Very Poor' on Diwali Eve
Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Very Poor' on Diwali Eve
IN · Published Nov 8, 2026
• Delhi's air quality on the eve of Diwali reached its worst level in a decade, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 369 at 4pm on Saturday, categorised as 'very poor'.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology forecasts the AQI to rise to 406 by early Monday morning, entering the 'severe' category.

Impact & Risks

The worsening air quality poses severe health risks, particularly respiratory issues, due to high levels of PM2.5 particles. Areas like Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram, and Mundka recorded PM2.5 levels far exceeding India's 24-hour average limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. Visibility issues and discomfort are expected to increase, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The pollution also impacts daily activities, with schools shifting to online classes and residents being advised to work from home.

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