The Delhi AQI rose further on Saturday, a day before ‘Chhoti Diwali’. The increasing number of localities in the ‘very poor’ category of air quality is worrisome. Despite an increase in the temperature recorded at 5:30 am on Saturday, Delhi recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) 255.
The temperature at the time was 20 degrees Celsius.
Anand Vihar residents continued to breathe the most toxic air in the national capital. The area recorded the highest AQI of this season at 390. Wazirpur followed with the AQI at 363.
#WATCH | Visuals from India Gate as the AQI largely remains in the poor category in Delhi as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Truck-mounted water sprinklers deployed. pic.twitter.com/clL0Uy3R7S
— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2025
Highest AQI localities of Delhi
| Area | AQI |
|---|---|
| Anand Vihar | 390 (370 on Friday) |
| Wazirpur | 363 (328 on Friday) |
| Bawana | 310 (309 on Friday) |
| Mathura Road | 247 (247 on Friday) |
| Dwarka, Sector 8 | 277 (318 on Friday) |
| Jahangirpuri | 311 (324 on Friday) |
| Shadipur | 176 (189 on Friday) |
| Siri Fort | 306 (279 on Friday) |
| Mundka | 281 (284 on Friday) |
| Narela | 275 (255 on Friday) |
| Rohini | 282 (256 on Friday) |
| Alipur | 264 (284 on Friday) |
| Vivek Vihar | 284 (274 on Friday) |
| Burari | 261 (255 on Friday) |
| Nehru Nagar | 284 (260 on Friday) |
| RK Puram | 273 (263 on Friday) |
| IGI Airport | 200 (242 on Friday) |
| Okhla Phase-2 | 232 (248 on Friday) |
| Patparganj | 271 (252 on Friday) |
| Ashok Vihar | 294 (261 on Friday) |
| Major Dhyan Chand Stadium | 259 (217 on Friday) |
| Dilshad Garden | 237 (242 on Friday) |
| ITO | 270 (233 on Friday) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | 253 (225 on Friday) |
| Sonia Vihar | 265 (239 on Friday) |
| Pusa | 273 (223 on Friday) |
| DU North Campus | 251 (229 on Friday) |
| Najafgarh | 197 (203 on Friday) |
| Mandir Marg | 247 (201 on Friday) |
| Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range | 245 (226 on Friday) |
| Lodhi Road | 231 |
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region has imposed Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the rising air pollution.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier said that a lack of rain and winds have are contributing to the pollution.
Pulmonologist Dr Sharad Joshi attributed the rising AQI to sources like crop burning, vehicular exhaust, and fireworks. “This exacerbates respiratory issues for those with pre-existing conditions such as COPD, asthma, and those who have had tuberculosis, leading to increased symptoms like cough, fever, breathlessness, and chest pain… Even those without prior respiratory issues, especially children and the elderly, are at risk due to weakened immunity,” he said.
#WATCH | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | On rise in pollution in Delhi NCR, Pulmonologist Dr. Sharad Joshi says, “Air Quality Index (AQI) has risen significantly, leading to higher levels of particulate pollutants from sources like crop burning, vehicular exhaust, and fireworks. This… pic.twitter.com/SVZysQ4dlG
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2025
NCR AQI Update
The AQI in other areas of the national capital reason is also rising. The AQI in Ghaziabad was 371 at 6 am, while the Noida AQI and Greater Noida AQI were 331 and 328, respectively.
As per air pollution tracker aqi.in, the Faridabad AQI was a tad lower at 222, but the Gurugram AQI was far higher at 274 at 6 am.
Health Advisory
With the AQI constantly rising, Delhi-NCR residents are advised to wear masks and stay indoors as much as possible to avoid breathing in the toxic air. Health experts also advise to avoid outdoor walking, jogging, or exercising due to the presence of pollutants in the air.
