Delhi’s Air Quality Remains In ‘Very Poor’ Category; Air Pollution Concerns Intensify Post-Diwali

Delhi’s air quality continued deteriorating on Wednesday morning, with pollution levels remaining in the ‘very poor’ category for the sixth straight day following Diwali celebrations.

A thin layer of smog blanketed large sections of the city, raising alarm over the persistent pollution crisis.

As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 358 at 8 AM.

Several parts of the city recorded alarming AQI figures, with Mundka registering 419, Bawana at 412, and Rohini hitting 401, all indicating ‘severe’ air pollution levels.

Other areas, including Alipur (372), New Moti Bagh (381), and RK Puram (373), also reported hazardous conditions that pose significant health risks to residents.

Thick layers of toxic foam floated in the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, further highlighting the pollution woes in the capital.

The foam, caused by high pollution levels in the river, adds another dimension to Delhi’s environmental challenges.

The Air Quality Index scale categorizes pollution levels, marking readings between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’ and AQI levels between 401 and 450 as ‘severe’.

Any score above 450 falls into the ‘severe plus’ category, indicating dangerously high pollution levels.

Supreme Court Seeks Explanation From Delhi Govt On Firecracker Ban Enforcement

In response to rising concerns, the Supreme Court earlier this week sought an explanation from the Delhi government regarding the failure to enforce the ban on firecrackers during Diwali, which was implemented to curb pollution.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih requested that the Delhi government submit an affidavit detailing the steps it took to address the issue and prevent future violations.

Widespread reports highlighted rampant firecracker use during the festival, despite the ban.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave informed the court that there was widespread non-compliance with the firecracker restrictions.

She noted that air pollution levels on Diwali day surged dramatically, with some reports indicating a jump from 10% to 27% in overall pollution.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi government and the city’s police commissioner to provide a detailed action plan to ensure stricter enforcement in the future and to prevent a repeat of this year’s violations.

With air pollution posing serious health hazards, particularly to children and the elderly, authorities face mounting pressure to take immediate and effective action to address the capital’s environmental crisis.

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