Overview
- By Tuesday morning, CPCB readings placed Delhi’s overall AQI around 352–359, with most stations in the red zone and several locations such as Bawana, Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri exceeding 400.
- Private trackers reported instantaneous spikes above 1,000 and PM2.5 peaks of roughly 500–1,800 µg/m³, while multiple official stations showed missing overnight data that analysts say may reflect instrument saturation.
- Despite the Supreme Court’s limited two-hour windows for certified ‘green crackers’, fireworks continued late into the night, and experts say the permitted versions still emit health‑damaging ultrafine particles.
- Authorities and analysts pointed to stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicle and industrial emissions, and stagnant winds trapping pollutants, with GRAP curbs already in effect across NCR.
- The Delhi government says aircraft and crews are ready for artificial rain operations once the IMD clears them, as political leaders trade blame over enforcement failures and farm fires.