Delhi Breathes a Bit Easier as AQI Drops, Yet Smog Persists Across City

Delhi woke to a sliver of hope on Saturday as its overall Air Quality Index (AQI) eased to 261, a notch down from Friday’s stifling 290, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The citywide average remains firmly in the “poor” category, but the 29-point drop offered a fleeting breather amid weeks of toxic haze that have choked schools, grounded construction, and sent asthma cases soaring.

That relief shattered in Anand Vihar, where the AQI skyrocketed to a lung-searing 415, plunging the area into “severe” territory. The Sameer app, run by CPCB, flagged it as the capital’s dirtiest hotspot, painting a grim picture of localized pollution pockets that refuse to budge. Commuters near the busy inter-state bus terminal coughed through thick grey curtains, with visibility slashed to under 300 meters at dawn.

Seven other monitoring stations clung to “very poor” levels (301–400), while the remaining network stayed mired in “poor” (201–300). For context, CPCB defines 0–50 as “good,” 51–100 “satisfactory,” 101–200 “moderate,” 201–300 “poor,” 301–400 “very poor,” and 401–500 “severe.” Delhi’s air, in short, is still far from breathable; masks remain mandatory for anyone stepping outside, especially children and the elderly.

Also Read: Post-Diwali Relief: Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Poor’ from ‘Very Poor’

Morning temperatures dipped to 16.9°C—0.3 degrees below normal—with humidity lingering at 57% by 8:30 a.m., the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted. The day is forecast to peak near 32°C, starting with misty haze before clearing into a deceptively sunny sky. Meteorologists warn that light winds and overnight temperature inversion are trapping pollutants close to the ground, worsening the crisis despite lower stubble-burning activity reported from Punjab and Haryana.

Experts blame the persistent smog on a toxic cocktail: stubble burning in neighboring states (though down 30% from last year), vehicular emissions from over 12 million registered vehicles, rampant construction dust, and industrial fumes from the NCR belt. Roadside vendors near India Gate reported a 40% drop in footfall, while hospitals logged a 25% spike in respiratory emergencies compared to last week.

With Diwali fireworks looming just days away, residents brace for another potential spike in the days ahead. The Delhi government has already rolled out emergency measures—banning diesel generators, sprinkling water on roads, and threatening stricter odd-even vehicle rules if the AQI crosses 300 again. Yet enforcement remains patchy, and illegal firecracker sales thrive in black markets.

Environmentalists call for urgent regional cooperation, pointing to satellite images showing over 800 farm fires in Punjab alone on Friday. “One city can’t fight this alone,” said Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment. “Until stubble management subsidies reach farmers and crop residue markets scale up, Delhi will keep paying the price every winter.”

For now, the capital limps through another smoggy weekend, praying for stronger winds and stricter action before the festive season turns the sky into a warzone once more.

Also Read: Post-Diwali Air Quality in Andhra Pradesh Remains Stable, Thanks to Rainfall