Delhi air quality deteriorated sharply after Diwali, with several monitoring stations recording readings in the severe category on Monday morning as dense fog reduced visibility at Safdarjung to 50 metres. The combination of high pollution, smoke, haze and low visibility created difficult conditions for commuters and raised concerns for people with respiratory illnesses.
According to the report, Rohini recorded the highest Air Quality Index reading at 475, followed by 472 at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Other stations reporting severe-category readings included Burari at 437, Sonia Vihar and Vivek Vihar at 432 each, Jahangirpuri at 426, another Rohini reading at 425, Bawana at 424, Mundka at 422 and Punjabi Bagh at 413.
Several other parts of the capital recorded AQI levels above 300. Under the Central Pollution Control Board’s classification, AQI readings between 301 and 400 are categorised as very poor, while readings between 401 and 500 fall in the severe category. The reported readings place multiple parts of Delhi in the highest pollution band under this scale.
The deterioration followed Diwali and coincided with weak wind conditions and dense fog. The India Meteorological Department said calm or slow winds had contributed to the fog observed at Safdarjung on November 9. Visibility there fell to 50 metres from 700 metres on Sunday. The report described this as the first dense fog of the season. At Palam, visibility fell to 400 metres amid moderate fog.
The weather department forecast dense to very dense fog in parts of south-east Delhi, east Delhi, Shahdara, central Delhi, north-east Delhi, south Delhi, New Delhi, south-west Delhi, west Delhi, north-west Delhi and north Delhi. Some areas of New Delhi, south-west Delhi, west Delhi, north-west Delhi and north Delhi were expected to experience moderate to dense fog.
The conditions have direct implications for urban mobility. Dense fog can affect airports, highways and railway routes, while low visibility can slow traffic and make driving more difficult. The report also warned of a higher risk of road collisions in fog-affected areas. Transport users were advised to check with airlines, railways and state transport authorities before travelling and to exercise caution when driving or leaving a vehicle.
The weather conditions may also affect electricity infrastructure, with the report noting the possibility of power-line tripping in areas covered by dense fog. Maintenance teams were advised to remain prepared. For residents, the reported precautions included avoiding unnecessary outdoor movement, covering the face when going outside and using fog lights while driving.
Health risks highlighted in the report include effects on the lungs, worsening symptoms for people with asthma or bronchitis and eye irritation. The combination of severe air pollution and poor visibility therefore affects both exposure risks and the ability of residents to move safely through the city. The report did not provide a separate breakdown of the contribution made by Diwali emissions, fog or other pollution sources.
