Delhi air turns severe after Diwali, AQI crosses 400 in several areas
New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply after fireworks during Diwali. Dense smog covered several parts of the capital on Monday morning, affecting visibility. A thick layer of smoke was visible in the sky, and people faced difficulty breathing. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 368 at 7 a.m., placing it in the very poor category. At several monitoring stations, the AQI crossed 400.
An AQI of 441 was recorded at Burari Crossing, 437 at Vivek Vihar, 434 in the Delhi Technological University area and 433 at Jahangirpuri. Air quality in Rohini, North Campus and other areas also remained in the severe category. An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered severe.
GRAP-3 in force, little hope of pollution relief: Firecrackers were burst until late in several areas on Diwali night. This increased the amount of fine particles and smoke in the air. However, along with fireworks, vehicle emissions, dust from construction work, industrial emissions and incidents of stubble burning in neighbouring states are also responsible for the pollution. Unfavourable weather conditions are contributing to pollutants remaining trapped in the atmosphere.
In view of the serious pollution situation, the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is already in force in Delhi-NCR. Under this, additional restrictions have been imposed on construction activities and vehicles. According to weather and pollution forecasts, air quality is likely to remain poor in the coming days as well.
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