The air quality across Delhi-NCR is already deteriorating, with pollution levels moving toward the “very poor” category. As Diwali approaches, the festive week could see a further spike as firecrackers add to the existing mix of stubble smoke, dust, and vehicular emissions, making the capital’s air heavier in the days after the festival.

Delhi's current air quality

According to private air quality monitor and forecaster AQI.in, the air quality in the national capital currently falls under the “severe” category, recording an AQI of 257, as per 7 am. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, however, pegged the AQI slightly higher at 274. On Saturday (October 18), a day before Chhoti Diwali, several localities in Delhi recorded air quality in the “very poor” category, with the

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