Delhi records ‘poor’ air quality (AQI 254) for fifth day as Diwali nears; GRAP Stage I triggered, SC allows green crackers and cloud-seeding planned after festival.
Delhi’s air quality stayed in the “poor” category for a fifth consecutive day as the capital geared up for Diwali, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an AQI of 254 at 8 am on October 18, 2025. Neighbouring NCR towns continued to fare worse: Ghaziabad led the region with very poor air at 306, while Noida and Gurugram registered 278 and 266 respectively; Faridabad remained in the moderate band at 105.
Authorities responded by activating Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), ordering preventive measures such as anti-smog guns, water-sprinkling and dust control on construction sites to curb particulate rise ahead of the festival weekend. At the same time the Supreme Court cleared a limited window for green crackers — permitted from October 18–21 with strict timing (6–7 am and 6–10 pm) — a move that aims to balance traditional festivities with pollution control.
Looking beyond immediate measures, Delhi’s environment ministry signalled that the capital’s first cloud-seeding trial is likely to be scheduled after Diwali once weather conditions and Indian Meteorological Department clearance align; pilots and aircraft preparations are reported complete.
Public health advisories urge residents—especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor activity and use masks on high-pollution days. With winter temperatures and local emissions set to amplify smog, experts say strict enforcement of GRAP measures, expanded monitoring and community awareness are essential to prevent a deeper air-quality crisis as festivities continue.
