Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution even four days after Diwali. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 403, falling firmly in the ‘severe’ category. This level poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The overall air quality in the capital remains alarming. On Friday morning, CPCB data highlighted Anand Vihar as the most polluted spot. Other key areas reported ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ air quality:
- Anand Vihar: 403
- ITO: 316
- India Gate: 254
- Dhaula Kuan: 257
The chart above illustrates the current AQI levels in these major Delhi locations.
Poor Air Quality to Continue Until October 27
CPCB forecasts indicate that air quality will stay in the ‘very poor’ category until Monday. This could lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other health issues. On Thursday, the maximum mixing depth was 2,650 meters, with a ventilation index of 14,500 m²/s. Wind speeds increased over the past 24 hours, blowing from the northwest at 10-15 km/h.
Weather Shift Expected from October 27
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a new western disturbance may affect the western Himalayan region starting October 27. Its impact on Delhi-NCR remains unclear. Light clouds are possible on October 26, but no rainfall is expected this week. Hopes for relief rest on the upcoming disturbance.
NCR Cities: Moderate Pollution with Some Improvement
Air quality in neighboring NCR cities is not as severe but offers little comfort. On Friday:
- Ghaziabad (Sanjay Nagar): 208
- Noida (Sector 1): 170
- Noida (Sector 125): 175
- Greater Noida: 180
- Faridabad: Around 200 (NIT: 230; Sector 30: 166; Ballabhgarh: 109)
Note: Monitoring stations in Faridabad’s Sector 11 and Sector 16A were not reporting data.
Noida has shifted from the red to the orange zone. On the day after Govardhan Puja, significant improvement occurred in Greater Noida and Noida, with AQI dropping to 280 and 276, respectively. Both cities exited the red zone. Greater Noida ranked as the second-most polluted in NCR, followed by Noida in third.
Compared to last year, Noida’s AQI is lower, while Greater Noida’s is higher post-Govardhan Puja. UPPCB officials attribute the drop to higher temperatures, stronger winds, and lower humidity, which helped disperse pollutants.
On Wednesday, Noida recorded 330 and Greater Noida 308—both in the red zone. Despite expectations of a post-festival spike, Thursday showed improvement. The one-day gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja this year likely contributed. Over the past two years, Greater Noida’s air has stayed below 300 (orange zone) after Govardhan Puja. This marks the first time in five years that Noida’s post-Govardhan Puja AQI fell below 300.
The second chart shows AQI levels across NCR cities on October 23 for comparison.
