New Delhi, October 18, 2025. Just before Diwali, the national capital Delhi has once again been engulfed in pollution’s poison. According to the latest data from the Meteorological Department and the Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached above 400 in several areas, which falls into the ‘severe category‘. The situation is so bad that haze and smoke are clearly visible in the air during morning and evening hours.
Pollution has increased in Delhi just two days before Diwali. The AQI (Air Quality Index) has crossed 350 in many areas of the capital. According to CPCB, the AQI was recorded at 367 at 8 AM on Saturday. The highest AQI of 370 was in Anand Vihar, followed by 328 in Wazirpur, 324 in Jahangirpuri, and 369 in Akshardham.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-I). The Commission took this action after the AQI in the region reached 211.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall continues in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Kerala, the water level in the Mullaperiyar Dam crossed 137 feet, leading to the opening of three gates, which caused flooding in lower areas.
Heavy rainfall also occurred in the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, and Ranipet.
GRAP-I Implemented, N95 or Double Surgical Mask Recommended
GRAP-I is activated when the AQI is between 200 and 300. Under this plan, all relevant agencies in the NCR must strictly implement 27 preventive measures. These include the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and dust control in road construction, repair projects, and maintenance activities.
For protection, everyone is advised to wear N95 or double surgical masks during outdoor activities.
Preparation Complete for Artificial Rain in Delhi the Day After Diwali
Regarding the rapidly increasing pollution, the Environment Minister stated that preparations for cloud seeding, meaning artificial rain, have been completed in Delhi. He said artificial rain could be induced in selected areas one day after Diwali.
Stubble Burning is a Cause of Pollution, Law Created to Stop It
After Diwali, the practice of stubble burning begins in northern and central India. This causes the rate of pollution increase to accelerate. The most stubble burning occurs in Haryana and Punjab, which are closest to Delhi. In 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) completely banned stubble burning. This has caused difficulties for farmers in disposing of stubble.
Delhi
Delhi is India’s capital territory and a historic city that has served as the capital for several empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. It is home to numerous historic landmarks, such as the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, which reflect its long and layered history. Today, it is a bustling modern metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with contemporary urban life.
Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a 19th-century masonry gravity dam built over the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British administration to divert water eastwards to the arid regions of the Madras Presidency, now Tamil Nadu. The dam’s ownership and operational rights remain a long-standing subject of a water dispute between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India renowned for its rich Dravidian culture and magnificent Hindu temples, many of which were built by ancient dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas. Its history dates back over two millennia, with a legacy of classical Tamil literature, art, and music. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Tamil culture, famous for its temple architecture, Bharatanatyam dance, and culinary traditions.
Kerala
Kerala is a state on India’s tropical Malabar Coast, historically known for its ancient spice trade with civilizations like the Romans, Arabs, and later European powers. It is renowned for its distinctive culture, which includes classical art forms like Kathakali, a network of serene backwaters, and a landscape of lush hills and palm-lined beaches.
Haryana
Haryana is a state in northern India that was carved out of the former state of East Punjab in 1966, making it one of the country’s younger states. Historically, the region is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and is considered the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations. Today, it is known for its rich agricultural land, significant contributions to India’s Green Revolution, and numerous historical sites from the epic Mahabharata, including the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Punjab
Punjab is a historical region in South Asia, divided between India and Pakistan, whose name means “Land of Five Rivers.” It is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich history as the heartland of the Sikh Empire and the location of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The region is renowned for its vibrant culture, agriculture, and as the birthplace of Sikhism.
National Green Tribunal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body in India established in 2010 for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation. It was formed under the National Green Tribunal Act as a result of India’s commitment to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The tribunal handles a wide range of environmental disputes, including those concerning air and water pollution, forest conservation, and biodiversity.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent, primarily observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Its history is rooted in various ancient legends, most commonly the story of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. Today, it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, family gatherings, and feasts.
