Delhi air quality deteriorates as AQI climbs to 464 in 96 hours
Pollution levels in the capital rose from an average of 124 on October 30 to 464 by the morning of November 3, according to India Today.
Delhi's air quality has worsened significantly over a four-day period, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) rising from 124 on October 30 to 464 by 11:31 am on November 3. According to data from AQI.in reported by India Today, the city's pollution levels have climbed rapidly just days before Diwali.
The deterioration accelerated over the weekend. The average AQI reached 369 on November 1 and rose to 393 on November 2, with a maximum reading of 499 recorded that day. By 12:01 am on November 3, the index was recorded at 432.
The recent spike follows a brief period of cleaner air after rainfall and strong winds in late October. As weather conditions became drier, pollutants from construction, industries, vehicles, waste burning, and road dust began to build up again.
Poor atmospheric ventilation is a factor in this accumulation. When winds weaken and the air mixing height lowers, pollutants are trapped near the ground. Reported farm fires in Punjab and Pakistan are also expected to continue sending smoke towards the national capital.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). Forecasts suggest Delhi may remain in the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days, with firecracker emissions potentially worsening the situation.