Delhi-NCR A day after Diwali celebrations, Delhi-NCR woke up to a blanket of thick smog on October 21, 2025, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to alarming levels, entering the ‘Severe’ category across most monitoring stations. The heavy burst of firecrackers on Diwali night, combined with stagnant wind conditions and rising pollution from stubble burning, pushed the region’s air quality to its worst levels of the season.
According to pollution control boards, several areas in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad recorded AQI levels above 450, posing serious health risks to residents. The visibility across parts of the city also dipped sharply during the morning hours, disrupting traffic and early-morning flights.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 masks when stepping out. Schools in parts of Delhi and Gurugram are reportedly considering temporary restrictions on outdoor activities. Meanwhile, environmental experts have reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of cracker bans and urgent action to tackle stubble burning in neighboring states.
Despite awareness campaigns and restrictions, Delhi’s post-Diwali air pollution continues to be a recurring health emergency, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness to deal with worsening winter smog.
