**New Delhi, October 20, 2025** — The festive spirit of Diwali in India's capital has been overshadowed by a familiar and alarming crisis: toxic air. Just hours before the main Lakshmi Puja celebrations, New Delhi's air quality plummeted to the "very poor" category, forcing authorities to escalate anti-pollution measures by imposing Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) across the National Capital Region (NCR). T^[1][2][3]his critical move comes as forecasts warn of an even bleaker picture, with air quality expected to worsen to "severe" levels in the days following Diwali. ^[1][4]On Sunday evening, the eve of the festival, the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from a "poor" 296 at 4 PM to a concerning 302 by 7 PM, firmly landing it in the "very poor" zone. B^[1][3]y 11 PM, the AQI had climbed further to 310, signaling a rapid deterioration. A^[5]s Monday morning dawned, ushering in Diwali, the situation intensified, with the overall AQI reaching 337 around 8 AM, and some areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur recording "severe" levels exceeding 400. ^[6][7]### The Full Story The decision to invoke GRAP-2 was made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after reviewing the rapidly worsening pollution levels and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). T^[7][3][8]his isn't the first intervention this season; GRAP-1 measures, which focus on controlling dust and industrial emissions, had already been in effect since October 14. ^[6][3][8]But here's what GRAP-2 adds to the fight: it brings a fresh set of restrictions designed to curb pollution from various sources. Foremost among these are limitations on the use of diesel generator (DG) sets across the NCR, a common backup power source that contributes significantly to emissions. I^[9][1][3]nterstate buses, unless they run on electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel, are now barred from entering Delhi. T^[1][7][8]he plan also tightens the reins on construction and demolition activities, requiring intensified inspections and strict adherence to dust control measures. T^[9][7][2][8]his means daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, ideally before the rush hour, to keep dust at bay. F^[7][3][8]urthermore, the burning of coal and firewood is now restricted, targeting another major source of winter pollution. ^[9]This annual environmental crisis in Delhi is a complex web of factors. While the immediate trigger for this spike is often attributed to firecrackers burst during Diwali, the problem runs much deeper. Calm winds and reduced sunlight, typical for this time of year, trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersal. W^[1][5][10]hat's more, seasonal transport winds, primarily northwesterlies, carry smoke from stubble burning in neighboring agricultural states like Punjab and Haryana into the capital, further choking the air. V^[5][10][11]ehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust also remain persistent contributors to Delhi’s notoriously poor air quality. ##^[10][12]# What This Means For millions of Delhi residents, this translates into a tangible and immediate impact on their daily lives and health. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that breathing Delhi's toxic air can be equivalent to smoking around 10 cigarettes a day. The^[7] 'very poor' air quality poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. Pro^[9][7]longed exposure can worsen conditions like asthma and bronchitis and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Ma^{[7][13][14][15]}ny households are already feeling the pinch, with reports indicating that nearly half of Delhi residents sought medical help for respiratory issues in previous years due to severe pollution. The^[13] imposition of GRAP-2 aims to mitigate these immediate consequences by reducing emissions, but citizens are also advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours, and wear masks when venturing outside. The^[9] hope is to prevent a further slide into 'severe' air, a category that signals hazardous conditions for everyone. **Key Points:** * New Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 'very poor' on Sunday evening (October 19), the eve of Diwali, with readings above 300. * ^[1][3] The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2) across Delhi-NCR. * ^[1][2][8] GRAP-2 measures include restrictions on diesel generator sets, a ban on non-CNG/electric/BS-VI interstate buses, and intensified dust control at construction sites. * ^[9][1][7] On Diwali morning (October 20), several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and Wazirpur, recorded "severe" AQI levels exceeding 400. * ^[6][7][4] Forecasts predict air quality will worsen to "severe" by Tuesday and Wednesday due to firecrackers and unfavorable weather. ##^[1][5][4]# The Bigger Picture This annual struggle with air pollution around Diwali is a grim reminder of a larger environmental challenge facing Delhi. Year after year, despite bans and awareness campaigns, the city witnesses a spike in pollution during the festive season. In previous years, even with efforts to curb firecrackers, widespread defiance was reported, contributing to the post-Diwali smog. The^[10][11] persistent issue highlights that while firecrackers are a significant factor, they are part of a broader problem driven by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and agricultural stubble burning. Ex^[10][11]perts like Mukesh Khare, an air pollution expert from IIT Delhi, have noted that if calm winds and reduced sunlight persist, the AQI will likely worsen, with firecrackers being a primary source of increased PM2.5 concentration. The^[5] long-term consequences are dire: a 2022 survey found Delhi to have the most harmful air of any major city globally, with residents potentially losing nearly 12 years of life expectancy due to pollution. Thi^[16][12]s ongoing crisis not only strains the healthcare system but also impacts productivity and deters tourism and investment, affecting the city's economic growth and global reputation. ##^[16]# What Happens Next? Authorities are bracing for a challenging week. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has predicted that AQI levels could be pushed into the "severe" zone by Tuesday, especially with increased firecracker emissions on Diwali night. Ana^[5]lysts suggest that the impact of these emissions, combined with calm winds, means no significant respite from the extremely toxic air is likely until at least Friday. Th^[1][5]e CAQM and other implementing agencies are tasked with maintaining strict vigilance, particularly on dust mitigation, and ensuring compliance with the GRAP measures. Cit^[8]izens are encouraged to play their part by opting for public transport over private vehicles, limiting outdoor exposure, especially for children and the elderly, and strictly avoiding any burning of garbage or biomass. The^[9][3] effectiveness of these measures will largely depend on collective adherence and the weather's cooperation in dispersing pollutants. As Delhi celebrates the festival of lights, many will do so indoors, looking out at a hazy sky, hoping for clearer days ahead and a lasting solution to the city's persistent air quality woes.

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