Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: A Deepavali Tale
On November 8, 2025, Delhi's air quality reached a critical point. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 335 at 9 a.m., categorizing it as 'red zone' and making it the most polluted city in the country. This alarming figure, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), highlights a persistent issue. Since Deepavali, Delhi's air quality has been consistently 'poor' or 'very poor', occasionally deteriorating to 'severe'.
The culprit? PM2.5, a harmful pollutant that has been a recurring theme in Delhi's air pollution narrative. As temperatures dropped, reaching a low of 11°C, three degrees below the seasonal average, the city's air quality remained a pressing concern. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 28.6°C, a slight dip from the norm, indicating a delayed winter onset.
This year's winter arrival is a contrast to previous years. On October 29, 2024, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.5°C, while on October 23, 2023, and October 29, 2022, the respective figures were 9.2°C and 7.3°C. The IMD predicts clear skies for the day, but the focus remains on the air quality crisis.
This situation raises questions about the impact of festivals and seasonal changes on air pollution. As Delhi grapples with this challenge, the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly evident.
