Delhi Air Quality Worsens Ahead Of Diwali, India Gate AQI Nears 400 As Thick Smog Engulfs Capital

Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate on Thursday, November 5, with a thick blanket of smog covering parts of the national capital ahead of Diwali. The worsening pollution has raised fresh public health concerns as winter approaches and temperatures begin to fall.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) near India Gate stood at 399, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Visuals from the area showed a dense layer of haze obscuring the iconic monument, even as people continued with their morning walks and cycling.

The situation was relatively better in parts of east Delhi, with the AQI around Anand Vihar recorded at 296, falling in the 'poor' category, according to CPCB data. With winter approaching, temperatures are expected to decline gradually, raising concerns over another spell of severe air pollution across Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR).

Stubble burning in neighbouring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, continues to contribute to Delhi's deteriorating air quality. The practice of burning paddy residue after harvesting releases pollutants that can travel towards the national capital.

On Wednesday, November 4, the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued show-cause notices to the deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) of five Punjab districts over their failure to curb incidents of paddy stubble burning.

The notices were issued to officials in Jalandhar, Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala and Fazilka, seeking accountability for the continuing incidents in their respective districts. The latest deterioration follows an alarming reading on Wednesday, when Delhi recorded its worst air quality in 288 days.

According to the CPCB, the national capital's 24-hour average AQI reached 377 at 4 pm, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The reading highlights the worsening pollution situation as the city heads towards the winter season, when air quality typically comes under additional pressure.

Under the CPCB's classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls in the 'very poor' category, while readings above 400 are classified as 'severe'. As of Thursday, November 5, Delhi's air quality is 'very poor' with an AQI of 399 near India Gate.

Anand Vihar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 296. Delhi recorded its worst air quality in 288 days on Wednesday, November 4. The national capital's 24-hour average AQI reached 377, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The CAQM issued show-cause notices to deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police in five Punjab districts.

This was due to their failure to curb paddy stubble burning incidents. Under the CPCB's classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls into the 'very poor' category. Readings above 400 are classified as 'severe'. ABP Live News delivers round-the-clock coverage of India and the world, tracking politics, policy, governance, crime, courts and breaking developments, while offering sharp, verified reporting that helps readers stay informed, aware and connected to the stories shaping public life.