Delhi Air Quality Turns ‘Severe’ Ahead of Diwali; AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas

Air pollution in the national capital has worsened ahead of Diwali, leaving residents struggling with breathing difficulties. Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) entering the ‘Very Poor’ category across several parts of the city.

The AQI crossed 350 in multiple locations, while Jahangirpuri recorded one of the highest readings at 420. According to the available monitoring data, Suniya Vihar recorded an AQI of 370.

Several other areas also reported alarming pollution levels. Punjabi Bagh and Rohini recorded AQI readings of 399 each, while Alipur stood at 382. Vivek Vihar recorded 376, followed by Narela at 375, RK Puram at 370 and Chandni Chowk at 361.

AQI Crosses 350 in Several Areas

The pollution situation remained concerning across different parts of Delhi. Other recorded AQI levels included:

• Patparganj: 357
• Dwarka Sector 8: 357
• Okhla Phase 2: 350
• ITO: 351
• North Campus, Delhi University: 359
• Pusa: 340
• IIT Delhi: 337
• Mathura Road: 334
• Commonwealth Sports Complex: 332
• Ashok Vihar: 327
• Talkatora Garden: 322
• Wazirpur: 322
• JNU: 319
• Nangloi: 319
• Najafgarh: 313
• Uttam Nagar: 310

Lodhi Road Records Relatively Better Air Quality

While most parts of the capital continued to experience poor air quality, some locations recorded comparatively lower pollution levels.

Lodhi Road registered an AQI of 251, while Nehru Nagar recorded 289. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium reported an AQI of 349.

Rising Pollution Raises Health Concerns

The worsening air quality ahead of Diwali has raised fresh concerns over public health. With several monitoring stations reporting extremely high pollution levels, residents, particularly children, elderly people and those with respiratory problems, remain vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.

The rising AQI has once again highlighted Delhi’s air pollution challenge as the national capital approaches the festive season.