Post-Diwali Pollution Spike: Top 10 Worst-Hit Areas In Delhi

The morning after Diwali saw Delhi and its surrounding areas engulfed in a dense layer of smog, with air quality plunging into the “very poor” and “hazardous” categories. Despite partial bans on firecrackers, widespread bursting across the capital contributed to a sharp rise in pollution, compounded by falling temperatures, stagnant winds, and pre-existing high pollutant levels. (Image: Facebook)

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 346 around 5:30 AM—firmly in the “very poor” bracket. However, several hotspots, including Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, and Anand Vihar, crossed the “severe” threshold of 400. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most-polluted areas in Delhi on Tuesday morning, ranked by AQI levels. (Image: Canva)

Bawana recorded an AQI of 427, placing it in the Severe category. (Image: File Pic)

Wazirpur registered an AQI of 408, indicating Severe pollution levels. (Image: File Pic)

Alipur matched Wazirpur with an AQI of 408, also in the Severe range. (Image: File Pic)

Jahangirpuri saw an AQI of 407, classified as Severe. (Image: File Pic)

Burari Crossing hit an AQI of 402, falling under the Severe bracket. (Image: File Pic)

Shadipur recorded an AQI of 399, categorized as Very Poor. (Image: File Pic)

Ashok Vihar reported an AQI of 391, also in the Very Poor range. (Image: File Pic)

Punjabi Bagh had an AQI of 376, indicating Very Poor air quality. (Image: File Pic)

Sonia Vihar registered an AQI of 374, placing it in the Very Poor category. (Image: File Pic)

Vivek Vihar matched Sonia Vihar with an AQI of 374, also Very Poor. (Image: File Pic)