Overview
- By early Tuesday, Delhi’s average AQI hovered around 346–350 with multiple hotspots breaching 400, including Wazirpur, Bawana, Jahangirpuri and parts of Dwarka.
- CPCB data showed most of the capital’s 38 stations in the red zone, while Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram also reported overall readings in the very poor range.
- The CAQM’s Stage II actions remain in force, including daily water sprinkling and mechanical sweeping, tighter diesel generator rules, higher parking fees and boosted public transport.
- Forecasts from AQEWS/IMD/IITM suggested further deterioration was likely after Diwali, with low winds limiting dispersion and the potential for more severe readings if emissions stay high.
- Authorities allowed time-bound use of certified green firecrackers, but on-ground reporting noted widespread violations, and government modelling attributed a majority share of PM2.5 to cross-boundary NCR sources.