Overview
- CPCB readings showed an AQI near 345 on Wednesday morning, with most stations in the red zone and some localities still touching the severe band.
- Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan remains active across Delhi‑NCR, including curbs on diesel generators, tighter construction controls and hotspot enforcement.
- Hourly data indicated PM2.5 climbed through Diwali night to 675 µg/m3 as fireworks continued well past the Supreme Court’s limited window for green crackers.
- A political dispute escalated, with BJP leaders pointing to stubble burning in AAP‑ruled Punjab while AAP accused the Delhi government of weak enforcement and failing to induce artificial rain.
- Hospitals reported more than 250 burn injuries and increased respiratory cases, as satellite and ground data also detected farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.