Delhi’s Air Turns Festive but Toxic: City Slips into ‘Very Poor’ Zone Ahead of Diwali
Delhi’s air quality worsens to “very poor” just before Diwali, triggering GRAP-II restrictions. Authorities step in with curbs on construction, diesel use, and vehicle emissions as smog thickens across the NCR.
The city is lit, but the air is grim. As Diwali nears, Delhi is once again gasping under a heavy layer of smog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300 on Sunday, pushing the city into the “very poor” zone and forcing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to roll out Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
By early Monday, pollution levels spiked further with some parts of Delhi recording AQIs above 400, which falls under the “severe” category. Areas like Anand Vihar, Wazirpur and Mundka saw a sharp rise in particulate matter, while visibility dipped across the capital.
Why It’s Getting Worse
Every year around this time, Delhi’s weather traps pollutants close to the ground. Cooler nights, lighter winds, and early festive firecrackers make things worse. Add road dust, vehicle emissions, and ongoing construction, and the city becomes a slow-moving gas chamber. Meteorologists warn that these stagnant conditions are likely to continue for a few more days.
What GRAP-II Means for You
Under Stage II of GRAP, restrictions are tightening. Diesel generator sets are being curbed, construction sites face stricter dust-control checks, and water sprinklers are being deployed on busy roads. Authorities are urging people to use public transport, carpool, and limit outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly.
Life in the Haze
For residents, this has become a familiar pre-Diwali story: bright lights outside, but air purifiers running non-stop inside. Doctors are already reporting a rise in respiratory issues. Schools and offices are keeping a close eye on the situation, with many advising reduced outdoor exposure.
The Road Ahead
Forecasts suggest the air quality may worsen before it gets better. Unless wind speeds pick up, Delhi’s sky will stay heavy with smog through the festival. The truth is, the city’s celebration of light now comes with a cost and a reminder that without collective action, every Diwali will feel a little less like a festival and more like a struggle to breathe.
