Delhi air quality index hits 488 before Diwali celebrations begin
The capital's pollution levels have already exceeded the air quality recorded during last year's Diwali festival and the following day.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 488 at 11:00 am on November 4, according to India Today. This follows an average daily AQI of 410 recorded on Tuesday, November 3.
The current pollution levels have already surpassed the readings from last year's Diwali. On October 20, 2025, the city recorded an average daily AQI of 376, which rose to 393 on October 21.
The data from AQI.in suggests that breathing the air in the capital at this level is equivalent to smoking approximately 14 cigarettes a day.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 2 following a sharp rise in pollution.
The new winter action plan includes construction curbs, restrictions on certain vehicles, and the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule. Other measures involve higher parking fees and tighter controls on diesel generators and the use of coal and firewood in eateries.
Diwali is scheduled for November 8. Pollution levels typically climb around the festival due to firecrackers, vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, and waste burning.