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Delhi Braces for Diwali Smog as Air Quality Plummets to "Very Poor" Levels
15 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality remains "poor" for second consecutive day
- Experts forecast "very poor" air quality around Diwali
- Stubble burning and firecrackers expected to worsen pollution
As of October 16, 2025, Delhi's air quality has remained in the "poor" category for a second consecutive day, with the city's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) reaching 233 on Wednesday. Experts attribute the deteriorating conditions to a drop in wind speeds, mist in the early hours, and heavy traffic, which will only be exacerbated by the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
The Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast the city's air quality to be in the "poor" category from October 16 to 18, with a further decline into the "very poor" category on October 20 and 21. This is due to the expected increase in stubble burning and firecracker emissions around the Diwali festival.
In response to the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has invoked stage-1 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan, including periodic mechanized sweeping, water sprinkling on roads, and strict vigilance of pollution control norms.
Meteorologists predict that the coming days will see a further increase in haziness and a drop in wind speeds, creating unfavorable conditions for air quality. With the threat of Diwali celebrations exacerbating the crisis, Delhi residents brace for a period of severely polluted air in the near future.
