Delhi-NCR Chokes After Diwali; Air Quality Plunges To ‘Very Poor’ As AQI Touches 400

The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 400, a day after Diwali celebrations, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

While the average AQI across the region stood at 347, several areas reported readings in the ‘severe’ range.

As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 0-50 is categorised as ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Multiple parts of Delhi recorded hazardous levels of pollution: Narela (354), Najafgarh (334), Mundka (357), Mandir Marg (325), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (358), Lodhi Road (334), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (317), Jahangirpuri (404), ITO (345), Dilshad Garden (346), Dwarka Sector 8 (333), Mathura Road (341), Bawana (418), and Anand Vihar (352), according to CPCB’s SAMEER app.

Neighbouring Noida also saw air quality deteriorate into the ‘very poor’ range, with AQI readings at Sector 125 (326), Sector 62 (307), Sector 1 (322), and Sector 116 (340).

Residents woke up to a blanket of smog across the region on Monday morning, following extensive bursting of firecrackers on Diwali night.

At 8 AM on Diwali morning, Delhi had already recorded an AQI of 335, showing a sharp decline in air quality.

Gurugram too faced worsening conditions, with an overall AQI of 338. Specific locations such as Gwal Pahari (347), Sector 51 (346), and Vikas Sadan (320) showed similar trends.

Firecracker Ban Flouted Despite Restrictions

Despite a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi since 2020, the Supreme Court this year permitted the use of green crackers from 18 to 20 October within specific time slots, 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM.

However, reports indicated that people burst crackers widely beyond the permitted hours.

In view of the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR to control emissions and safeguard public health.

Also Read: PM Modi Thanks Israeli PM Netanyahu For Diwali Greetings; Extends Birthday Wishes