Delhi Air Pollution Ahead of Diwali: Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is getting worse as Diwali approaches. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 348 on November 3, 2026, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Earlier in the morning, it was recorded at 331. Several areas in Delhi and Noida also reported ‘Severe’ pollution levels, with some monitoring stations recording AQI readings above 400.
The rising pollution has forced the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to bring Stage-II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) into force across Delhi-NCR. The decision was taken on November 2 after Delhi’s average AQI reached 324.
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But experts say that restricting vehicles alone won’t solve the problem. Road dust, factory emissions, construction work, waste burning and smoke from farm fires are also adding to the pollution. Winter weather makes things worse because it prevents dirty air from moving away from the ground.
Anil Kumar, former director of the Delhi government’s Department of Environment, said weather conditions have a major role in the pollution levels across North India. He explained that the first two weeks of November usually bring high pollution. Lower temperatures, slow winds and a lower mixing height make it difficult for dirty air to move upwards and spread.
This means smoke from stubble burning, wood burning and other sources stays closer to the ground. Kumar also pointed towards road dust as a major problem. Dust from roads gets lifted into the air whenever vehicles pass. It can also contain harmful chemicals, metals, vehicle smoke and tiny particles from tyres.
He said damaged roads and open roadside areas make the situation worse. Regular road cleaning, proper dust collection and paving or planting greenery in open roadside spaces are needed to control it.
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Maninder Singh Nayyar, founder and CEO of CEF Group, said cold weather, weak winds and temperature inversion make pollution stay in the air for longer. During temperature inversion, a layer of warm air sits above colder air near the ground. This works like a lid and stops polluted air from rising.
High humidity and morning fog also help form smog. Nayyar added that Delhi’s location near the northern mountains and its large flat areas can make air movement difficult during certain weather conditions.
Environmentalist Husain Hishmi said winter smog isn’t just a weather issue. Smoke, dust and humidity mix together and increase people’s exposure to fine particles such as PM2.5. Pollution from vehicles, cooking, heating, factories and construction also stays in the air for longer when temperatures fall.
He believes pollution must be controlled throughout the year rather than waiting for rain or strong winds to clear it.
Under Stage-II GRAP restrictions, authorities are expected to increase mechanical and vacuum-based road cleaning. Water sprinkling and anti-smog guns will also be used to control dust. Parking charges may be increased to discourage private vehicles. Metro services and CNG and electric buses will also be increased.
Kumar said cleaning roads isn’t enough unless the collected dust is also removed properly. He also called for regular checks using cameras and sensors at construction sites and busy transport areas.
Dr Arindam Ghatak, an air pollution expert and CEO of Biomoneta, said hospitals should also prepare for a possible rise in breathing-related illnesses. He suggested early health warnings using air-quality forecasts and better protection for outdoor workers. Hospitals should maintain enough medicines and oxygen and improve ventilation and air filtration in areas treating vulnerable patients.
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