Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Saturday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 365, as emergency pollution curbs took effect across the capital region two days before Diwali.

The reading marked a slight improvement from Friday evening, when the AQI stood at 382, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). But several monitoring stations recorded 'severe' air: IIT Delhi recorded the highest reading at 443, followed by Punjabi Bagh at 433 and Narela at 409, with 22 stations across the city above 400.

Stage III curbs in force

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday as a precautionary measure. The decision was taken by the CAQM's Sub-Committee on GRAP and announced through the commission's official account on X.

Stage III introduces a nine-point action plan covering construction and demolition, vehicle movement, industrial operations, schools and offices. Construction and demolition work, including earthwork, trenching and road works, is banned, and BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are barred from Delhi and designated NCR districts. Metro services are being run more frequently and extra buses deployed to encourage public transport.

Schools switch to hybrid mode

Hybrid learning has been made mandatory for students up to class five in five NCR districts, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said in a video message. The move follows the sharp deterioration in air quality ahead of the festival, when fireworks are expected to push pollution higher still.

Mr Sirsa urged residents to cooperate with the authorities and follow the prescribed restrictions, warning of worsening meteorological conditions in the days ahead.

A familiar winter pattern

Delhi's air deteriorates almost every winter as falling temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, farm fires in neighbouring states add smoke, and Diwali fireworks spike emissions. The India Meteorological Department's Pune-based institute has flagged a risk of 'severe' air from 7 to 9 November, and if the AQI crosses 450, Stage IV — the most stringent level of the emergency plan — can be invoked, bringing additional curbs such as a ban on diesel light motor vehicles.

With Diwali falling on Sunday, 8 November, the next two days will test whether the emergency measures can hold the line. For the capital's residents, the immediate advice is unchanged: limit outdoor activity, wear masks where possible, and use public transport while the curbs remain in force.