Delhi-NCR is ushering in Diwali while battling toxic air and anti-pollution measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP 2), which was implemented on Sunday evening as the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘very poor’ category.
On Sunday, the eve of Diwali, Delhi’s air quality significantly deteriorated late at night. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), cited by PTI, revealed that 24 out of 38 monitoring stations recorded pollution levels in the ‘very poor’ range. The Anand Vihar area, in particular, reached ‘severe’ levels with AQI readings exceeding 400.
This concerning trend continued into Monday morning, with most stations reporting an AQI above 300, and Anand Vihar again exceeding 400.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Today
Delhi AQI Today: As of 6 am on Monday, October 20, the Anand Vihar station recorded the highest AQI at 414, classifying it as ‘severe’. In contrast, the Sri Aurobindo Marg station reported the best air quality with an AQI of 158. A total of 29 stations were in the ‘very poor’ category.
AQI Data Highlights (Monday, 6 AM):
- AQI above 400 (Severe): 1 station
- AQI between 301–400 (‘Very Poor’): 29 stations
- AQI between 201–300 (‘Poor’): 4 stations
- AQI between 0–200 (‘Moderate’ or better): 1 station
The CPCB categorizes AQI as follows: 0-50 (‘good’), 51-100 (‘satisfactory’), 101-200 (‘moderate’), 201-300 (‘poor’), 301-400 (‘very poor’), and 401-500 (‘severe’).
Delhi AQI on Diwali Eve: Delhi’s AQI stood at 296 (‘poor’) at 4 pm on Sunday. By 10 pm, it worsened to 306, entering the ‘very poor’ category.
GRAP 2 Implementation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR due to the deteriorating air quality. GRAP 1 was initially imposed on October 14. GRAP Stage 2 includes twelve preventive measures to combat air pollution, such as stricter controls on diesel generator sets, restrictions on interstate buses (excluding EVs, CNG, and BS-VI diesel), and increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle usage.
Green Firecrackers Allowed: The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, with specific time restrictions. Green crackers can be burst between 6 am to 7 pm and 8 am to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on the festival day itself.
Delhi Weather Forecast: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.3 degrees Celsius (0.9 degrees above average) and a minimum of 20.6 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees above normal). The forecast for Monday morning includes mist, with temperatures expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius for the maximum and 21 degrees Celsius for the minimum.