Delhi AQI reaches 384 on Diwali morning as stations record severe pollution
Eleven monitoring stations in the capital crossed the 400 threshold for severe air quality on Sunday morning, according to CPCB data.
Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384 on Diwali morning, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported by WION. While the citywide average remained in the very poor category, 11 of the 23 monitoring stations listed crossed the 400 threshold for severe air quality.
The highest readings were recorded at Punjabi Bagh at 450, RK Puram at 449, and IIT Delhi at 446. Other stations reporting severe levels included Chandni Chowk and Delhi University's North Campus at 423, Pusa at 415, Burari Crossing at 411, and NSUT Jaffarpur at 409.
The deterioration occurred despite Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being invoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday. These measures included halting non-essential construction, restricting stone crushers and mining, and barring certain petrol and diesel four-wheelers.
The Delhi government's Decision Support System identified the transport sector as the largest contributor to pollution on Friday at 21.4 per cent. On Friday, satellite data recorded 589 crop-residue burning incidents across six states, with Punjab accounting for 357 incidents.
In neighbouring cities, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 322 and Noida registered 319, both in the very poor category. Residents, particularly children, older people, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, have been advised to limit outdoor activity and wear N95 masks.