Delhi air quality hits severe levels after Diwali celebrations
The capital's Air Quality Index reached 376 on Monday morning as smog and firecracker emissions reduced visibility across the city.
Delhi woke up to thick smog on Monday, 9 November 2026, as air pollution levels rose following Diwali festivities. According to reports from The Indian Express and Pragativadi, the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 376, placing it in the 'very poor' category, while several monitoring stations breached the 400 'severe' threshold.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed high pollution in multiple areas. Jahangirpuri recorded high levels, with readings reported at 433 and 463, while Sonia Vihar reached 449. Other locations in the 'severe' category included Burari Crossing, Vivek Vihar, North Campus, Rohini, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, and ITO.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), New Tehsil-Loni in Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 459, Noida Sector 62 hit 440, and Faridabad's Sector 11 logged 410. PM2.5 concentrations also saw a significant rise, with levels reaching 259 μg/m³ by 8:00 PM on Diwali evening.
Experts attributed the poor air quality to firecracker emissions, vehicular pollution, and stubble burning. Unfavourable weather, including wind speeds under 10 km/h and a low ventilation index, helped trap pollutants near the ground. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) expects conditions to remain in the 'very poor' to 'severe' range for several days.
A complete ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers was reinstated across Delhi-NCR on Monday. This follows a two-day period where the Supreme Court had permitted the use of certified green crackers on November 7 and 8.