Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Monday, with air pollution rising sharply after Diwali celebrations. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 370 at 9 AM, placing it in the Very Poor category, while several neighbourhoods recorded readings above 400, classified as Severe.
Firecracker emissions added to the pollution caused by vehicle exhaust, construction dust and crop-residue burning in neighbouring states. Low wind speeds and unfavourable weather conditions have also slowed the dispersal of pollutants.
Health Risks and Precautions
High levels of fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions and increase risks to heart health. Children, older people and those with existing respiratory or cardiac problems are particularly vulnerable.
Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors and follow official health advisories. Authorities have also activated Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 | 2:10 PM IST