According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 254 (poor) as of 1600 hours (local time) on Friday (17 October). Gurugram recorded an AQI of 266 (poor), Faridabad was at 105 (moderate), Ghaziabad stood at 306 (very poor), Noida stood at 278 (poor), and Greater Noida was recorded at 246 (poor).

• Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday (17 October) approved a ban on the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi from 01 November and warned of strict action against officials failing to stop stubble burning in NCR states.
• Chairing the 25th meeting of the Commission, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma ratified directions empowering district authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to initiate legal proceedings against officials showing inaction on stubble burning.
• In line with a Supreme Court order, CAQM decided that only BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric goods vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from 01 November.
• BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi will be permitted till 31 October 2026, as a transitional measure.
• CAQM has also put on hold to its earlier directive to remove 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR after the court barred coercive steps against such owners.
• The meeting reviewed winter action plans of Delhi and NCR states and asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to intensify surveillance and ensure effective crop residue management.
• The Commission took note of the Supreme Court’s October 15 order allowing sale of green firecrackers only at designated NCR locations between Saturday (18 October) to Monday (20 October) and restricting their use to specific hours on Diwali.