Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to Hazardous Levels on Diwali Day
• Delhi's air pollution crisis has intensified, with AQI levels reaching hazardous figures on 7th November, Diwali Day. At 9:05 am, RK Puram recorded an AQI of 450, while Anand Vihar in East Delhi reported an alarming
• The National Capital Region (NCR) is enveloped in a dense smog, exacerbated by microscopic pollutants such as PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, which exceed WHO safety guidelines by up to 100 times. This annual phenomenon has earned Delhi the title of the world's most polluted capital city. The crisis highlights the need for year-round measures beyond seasonal emergency responses like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Impact & Risks
The hazardous air quality poses severe health risks, including respiratory distress and long-term illnesses. Hospitals in Delhi report spikes in cases of respiratory issues during this period. Chronic air pollution contributes to 1.67–1.7 million premature deaths annually in India, accounting for 17.8% of all deaths. Economically, PM2.5 pollution costs India up to 9.5% of its GDP annually, approximately $340 billion, due to healthcare expenses and reduced productivity.
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