Delhi’s air quality deteriorates on the eve of Diwali/Deepavali, with multiple outlets describing it as “very poor” and in some cases “severe.” Times of India reports an AQI of 369 on Diwali eve and says conditions are expected to worsen further after the festival. The Hindu also reports the city in “very poor” conditions, with an AQI of 362 on November 7, slightly better than the previous day.
NDTV and Japan Times similarly frame the period as one of worsening winter pollution ahead of Diwali, noting that the next days are expected to remain in “severe” to “very poor” categories. Mint focuses on the contrast with a “cleanest October in years,” describing a shift to thick smog about a week before the festival. Separate coverage also highlights policy measures: NDTV says Stage-III measures are in force and additional restrictions are continuing.
Across outlets, the shared context is that firecracker use—despite restrictions—is expected to add to pollution, while meteorological conditions and contributions from sources such as stubble burning affect short-term changes.
