Delhi Records 'Very Poor' Air Quality at AQI 364 Ahead of Diwali

NEW DELHI: The national capital woke up to 'very poor' air quality on Saturday morning, a day before Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering at 364 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This reading follows a 24-hour average AQI of 382 recorded at 4 pm on Friday. Under CPCB standards, an AQI reading between 301 and 400 is categorized as 'very poor', while readings between 401 and 500 fall into the 'severe' category.

Out of the 59 air quality monitoring stations operating across the city, 18 recorded AQI levels in the severe category on Saturday morning. According to projections by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, overall air quality is expected to reach the severe category later in the day, with forecasts suggesting that celebrations and subsequent conditions are likely to impact the air further.

Alongside the rising pollution levels, weather monitoring stations reported a slight dip in minimum temperatures. Safdarjung, which serves as the representative weather station for the city, recorded a minimum temperature of 16.2 degrees Celsius. This is 1.9 degrees below normal and one degree lower than the reading recorded on Friday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mostly clear skies for Delhi over the coming few days.

"Environmental conditions and air quality metrics play a critical role in urban business operations, workforce productivity, and consumer behavior, particularly during festive periods. Sustained high pollution levels can impact daily logistics, employee health, and overall economic activity in the capital region. Businesses must factor in these environmental challenges and adopt sustainable operational resilience strategies moving forward." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes