Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday praised Delhi residents for keeping post-Diwali pollution levels relatively lower than previous years and urged BJP-led states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to adopt similar anti-pollution strategies to reduce air quality issues in Delhi-NCR.
Despite efforts, the air quality in Delhi-NCR plunged into the ‘very poor’ category on Friday, with thick toxic smoke covering the area after Diwali. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 361 by 7:30 a.m., while some areas recorded AQI levels above 400. In neighboring cities, Gurugram’s AQI hit 433, and Noida’s AQI reached 377.
To curb pollution, the Delhi government had banned the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers from October 14 to January 1, 2025. Despite the presence of 377 enforcement teams, many residents still celebrated Diwali with fireworks, which pushed Delhi to rank as the world’s most polluted city on Friday.
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Rai noted that while Delhi’s AQI was projected to exceed 400, government measures and public cooperation helped keep it at 360. “Thanks to Delhi’s residents, who largely refrained from bursting firecrackers, the AQI remained relatively lower,” Rai told IANS, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly.
The minister appealed to neighboring BJP-ruled states to follow Delhi’s lead, saying, “Delhi’s approach can improve AQI across the region if implemented by neighboring states.”
Rai also encouraged Delhi residents to report visible pollution through the Green Delhi app, allowing authorities to address issues more effectively.
Meanwhile, toxic foam was seen in the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, indicating high pollution levels. A thick white foam covered large sections of the river’s surface. Rai attributed this to untreated wastewater from neighboring Uttar Pradesh flowing into Delhi. He assured that the Delhi government is working to resolve the issue and preparing over a thousand sites across the capital for Chhath Puja.
“The Delhi government is actively addressing pollution in the river, cleaning the contaminated water flowing from Uttar Pradesh into Kalindi Kunj,” Rai added, noting the city’s readiness for the festival.