India

Severe Smog Blankets Delhi As Air Quality Deteriorates Ahead Of Diwali

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a thick blanket of smog enveloped parts of Delhi on Thursday, with air quality levels plunging into the ‘Severe’ category.

By 7:00 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar soared to an alarming 419, signaling hazardous conditions.

Other areas were also heavily affected, with Aya Nagar recording an AQI of 308, Jahangirpuri at 395, and Dwarka reaching 359— all classified as ‘Very Poor’ by the CPCB.

The high pollution levels have raised serious health concerns for residents across the National Capital.

In response to the alarming air quality, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to forgo traditional firecrackers this Diwali.

Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal stated, “Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers; we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not fireworks. It is not as if we are doing a favour to anybody. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone’s life is important.”

Kejriwal’s plea comes as the city’s air quality has deteriorated in recent days, prompting the Delhi government to implement stricter measures against pollution.

Delhi Police Have Not Taken Firecracker Ban Seriously, Says Gopal Rai

In an earlier move, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai reached out to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, calling for urgent action against firecracker violations amidst growing smog levels.

On 14 October, Rai had announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in Delhi, effective until 1 January.

Gopal Rai informed LG Saxena that he has noticed vendors openly selling firecrackers in various markets of Delhi despite the ban. He pointed out that vendors bring these firecrackers through multiple borders connecting Delhi to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

“It implies that Delhi Police as law enforcement agencies have not taken the directions to ban firecrackers seriously and vendors are openly flouting the ban imposed,” the letter added.

Also Read: Last 10 Years Full Of Unprecedented Achievements For The Unity & Integrity Of India: PM Modi Celebrates National Unity Day

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

Complete Ban On Drone Flights Over Noida International Airport ‘Red Zone’

Authorities have imposed a complete ban on the operation of drones and UAVs over and…

13 mins ago

Pak Army Chief Munir Revives Two-Nation Theory Amid Tensions With India

Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reignited controversy on Saturday by invoking the two-nation…

27 mins ago

Pope Francis Funeral: President Murmu & PM Modi Pay Final Tributes

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was laid to rest in a humble ceremony…

2 hours ago

Man Arrested For Raping Six-Year-Old Girl In Bihar’s Vaishali District

The Bihar police have taken swift action in arresting a man accused of raping a…

2 hours ago

PM Modi Distributes Over 51,000 Appointment Letters In 15th Rozgar Mela

PM Modi distributed 51,236 appointment letters to newly-recruited candidates in central government departments and organisations…

5 hours ago

Indian Embassy In Berlin Holds Memorial For Pahalgam Terror Victims

The Indian Embassy in Berlin organised a solemn memorial service to honour the victims of…

6 hours ago