New Delhi: Delhi recorded hazardous air quality on Diwali morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 335, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to NDTV and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The overnight bursting of firecrackers blanketed the city in smoke and noise, while out of 38 monitoring stations, Anand Vihar (414) and Wazirpur (407) entered the “severe” category. Only a few stations, including Sri Aurobindo Marg (165) and DTU (198), recorded “moderate” AQI levels. Experts warned that air quality is likely to deteriorate further in the coming days, possibly entering the “severe” category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Supreme Court has allowed only green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR this Diwali, with usage restricted to 6 am–7 pm on the day before the festival and 8 am–10 pm on the festival day. NDTV reports that Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been invoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), adding stricter measures to limit pollution. These include intensified dust control on roads, stricter construction site inspections, augmentation of public transport through additional CNG and electric buses, and restrictions on inter-state buses not running on CNG, EV, or BS-VI diesel.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to residents to celebrate Diwali traditionally using diyas, rangoli, and sweets rather than firecrackers, urging public cooperation to reduce pollution. NDTV notes that authorities have mobilized resources to protect vulnerable groups, including providing electric heaters to staff and ramping up enforcement of anti-pollution measures. Despite festive celebrations, the government has emphasized that the health and safety of Delhi’s residents take precedence, as air quality remains a critical concern in the aftermath of the Diwali festivities.