Delhi AQI Update Today: The Diwali season has proven to be the most difficult time of the year for the capital in the past few years. During this time, the city experiences its worst air quality of the year, with residents breathing in “very poor” category air day in and day out. On the day of Diwali 2025, the story is pretty much the same as it is every year.
Delhi AQI Update Today: Residents Welcomed by “Very Poor” Air on Diwali Morning
According to the latest data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi is experiencing “very poor” air quality on Diwali morning. Most AQI (Air Quality Index) stations are reporting a reading over 300.
The average AQI in Delhi, on Diwali morning (October 20th), is 355, which falls in the “Very Poor” category, according to CPCB. The highest recorded AQI in Delhi on Diwali morning is from the Anana Vihar station, which has been notorious for its high AQI readings. On the morning of October 20th, Anand Vihar reported an AQI reading of 411, which is in the severe category.
The lowest AQI reading in Delhi was from the Sri Aurobindo Marg at 162, which still falls in the moderate category, with people suffering from lung diseases, asthma and heart diseases experiencing breathing discomfort.
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Delhi NCR to Celebrate Diwali with Green Crackers
In the lead-up to Diwali, the top court of India lifted its blanket ban on firecrackers. Allowing residents to purchase green crackers for their Diwali celebrations. This verdict came on October 15th, along with an order to CBCP to present the AQI data for the time period after the celebrations wrap up.
However, there are still restrictions in place for people looking to celebrate Diwali using green crackers. There is an allotted time slot; people looking to use firecrackers can openly celebrate between 6 to 7 AM and 8 to 10 PM, on the day before and the day of Diwali.
What Do AQI Readings Mean?
The AQI reading of a place indicates the quality of air in the area. According to the reading, authorities & citizens can be wary of the air that they are breathing and its potential risks. The CPCB categorises different AQI ranges in the following categories:
| AQI Reading | Category of Air | Possible Health Impacts |
| 0-50 | Good | Minimal impact |
| 51-100 | Satisfactory |
Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people
|
| 101-200 | Moderate |
Breathing discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases
|
| 201-300 | Poor |
Breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure
|
| 301-400 | Very Poor |
Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure
|
| 401-500 | Severe |
Affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases
|
