Delhi-NCR Faces Thick Smog As Air Quality Deteriorates During Diwali

A dense layer of smog blanketed the Delhi-NCR region on Wednesday, with air quality plummeting into the ‘poor’ category amidst ongoing Diwali festivities.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) measured at 7:45 AM registered a concerning 273, indicating significant air pollution across the area.

Multiple monitoring stations reported alarming AQI levels, with several locations falling into the ‘very poor’ category.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 351, while other affected areas included Bawana at 319, Jahangirpuri at 313, and Mundka at 351.

Numerous neighborhoods experienced AQI readings between 200 and 300, with pockets of heavy pollution evident in Vivek Vihar (326) and Wazirpur (327).

The situation was similarly troubling in other parts of Delhi, where readings hovered around the 200-mark and above, including Alipore (300), Aya Nagar (290), and Rohini (289).

In contrast, neighboring NCR cities displayed marginally better air quality, with readings of 172 in Faridabad, 197 in Gurugram, and 213 in Ghaziabad.

The AQI scale classifies air quality as follows:

• 0-50 is good,
• 51-100 satisfactory,
• 101-200 moderate,
• 201-300 poor,
• 301-400 very poor, and
• 401-500 severe

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 268, indicating a slight improvement from the previous day’s level of 304.

Air pollution levels in the region have been fluctuating between ‘very poor’ and ‘poor’ categories due to a combination of factors, notably stubble burning and the widespread use of firecrackers during the festival season.

Inadequate wind conditions have exacerbated the situation, trapping pollutants close to the ground.

DPCC Imposes Strict Firecracker Ban Until 1 January 2025

In response to the alarming air quality, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has enforced a stringent ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers until 1 January 2025.

To ensure compliance, the Delhi government has mobilized 377 enforcement teams, comprising 300 police personnel and additional staff from the revenue department.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiated Stage 2 emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate air pollution.

These measures include intensified efforts to combat dust emissions and restrict diesel generator usage.

Authorities have implemented additional cleaning operations on major roads, deployed mechanical road sweepers, and heightened inspections at construction sites to enforce strict dust control measures.

As the region navigates through this challenging period, officials emphasize the need for collective action to improve air quality and safeguard public health.

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