Delhi air quality worsens on Deepavali night, 20 stations record severe AQI

Delhi's air quality deteriorated on Deepavali night, with 20 monitoring stations recording readings in the severe category, according to The Hindu. The citywide Air Quality Index stood at 371 at 10 p.m., placing it in the very poor category and close to the severe threshold. A smoky haze was reported across neighbourhoods as festival celebrations and firecracker use continued. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that pollution levels could move into the severe category from November 9 and remain there for several days. That was a forecast, not confirmation that every station would remain severe. The figures underline the pollution challenge faced by the capital during the festival period. AQI readings can vary by location and time, so residents should consult current official station-level updates before making decisions about outdoor activity. Source: The Hindu; figures and forecast are attributed to the monitoring and early-warning systems cited in its report.