Delhi air turns very poor before Diwali, AQI reaches 376
CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
Even before Diwali fireworks began, Delhi’s air came under the grip of pollution. On Sunday, 8 November, the capital’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 376, which falls in the very poor category. A thick layer of haze was visible in Delhi and surrounding areas from the morning. Visibility was also affected in several areas. Concerns grew as the pollution level approached the severe category threshold of 400.
According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Delhi’s average AQI was 369 on Saturday, rising to 376 on Sunday. The worst situation was in Jahangirpuri, where an AQI of 463 was recorded. Of the 59 monitoring stations that provided data, air quality was in the severe category at 12 centres and in the very poor category at 22 centres.
Fear of worsening situation after fireworks
The Air Quality Early Warning System had expressed concern that pollution could rise further after fireworks on Diwali night. According to the forecast, the capital’s air could enter the severe category from 9 November and the situation may persist for the next few days.
According to experts, smoke from vehicles, stubble burning in neighbouring states and low wind speed are the main reasons for the rise in pollution. On Sunday, the transport sector’s share in pollution was estimated at around 19 percent, while the contribution of stubble burning was estimated to be about 3.5 percent.
As per CPCB classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls in the very poor category, while 401 to 500 falls in the severe category. In such conditions, children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems need to take special precautions.
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