Delhi's air quality stable despite pollution violations during Diwali

Delhi's air quality remained stable despite violations of pollution norms during Diwali. The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 328 on Thursday, with a slight increase to 360 the day after, but avoided severe spikes. The Central Pollution Control Board reported this Diwali was the most polluted in three years, with AQI readings of 330 compared to 218 in 2023. Most monitoring stations recorded "very poor" air quality, but pollution control efforts helped mitigate extreme levels. A significant reduction in crop residue burning and a city-wide dust-control campaign contributed to lower pollution. The Delhi government enforced a ban on firecrackers and deployed enforcement teams to ensure compliance, while major pollutants remained within national standards.