Delhi Air Quality Slips to 'Very Poor' on Diwali

As residents observed Sunday festivities, the national capital's Air Quality Index hit 371 by early evening, entering the very poor range. Out of 59 operational monitoring locations, nearly a third registered severe pollution levels, with Jahangirpuri marking the highest reading at 460.

Residents across the capital noted a hazy atmosphere and smoky odors as celebrations intensified. The daily average AQI worsened compared to the previous day's reading of 369, driven predominantly by fine particulate matter.

Forecasters anticipate conditions to deteriorate further into the severe category over subsequent days. Authorities attribute the compounding pollution load to vehicular exhaust, firecrackers, agricultural stubble burning in nearby states, and unfavorable weather patterns limiting pollutant dispersion.