Delhi chokes on post-Diwali smog as AQI crosses 400; BJP and AAP trade charges
Delhi chokes on post-Diwali smog as AQI crosses 400; BJP and AAP trade charges
M.U.H
08/11/202619
Delhi woke up to another morning of hazardous air on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in parts of the national capital after Diwali, even as the worsening pollution triggered a political confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 406 at ITO around 4.20 am, placing the area in the ‘severe’ category. Rajiv Chowk registered 381 at 1.30 am, while South Extension recorded 360 at 4 am, both in the ‘very poor’ category.
A thick layer of smog reduced early-morning visibility across several areas, including Inderlok. The pollution episode followed Diwali celebrations on Sunday, with Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) already in force across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Why Delhi’s AQI readings are a concern
Under the CPCB’s classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered ‘very poor’, while readings from 401 to 500 fall in the ‘severe’ category.
Severe air quality can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions. Even the ‘very poor’ category carries the risk of respiratory illness following prolonged exposure.
The ITO reading of 406 was a local monitoring-station figure, rather than Delhi’s citywide average. Readings at Rajiv Chowk and South Extension remained below the severe threshold but indicated widespread pollution across the capital.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked GRAP Stage III on November 6, when Delhi’s daily average AQI stood at 382, reflecting deteriorating conditions even before Diwali.
