Delhi air worsens after Diwali, AQI crosses 400 in several areas
New Delhi: After Diwali, pollution levels in the air across Delhi-NCR have increased. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in several areas of the capital, people are facing difficulty in breathing. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air at several monitoring stations in Delhi was recorded in the severe category on the morning of 9 November. Visibility was also affected due to dense smog, and haze covered the roads in the morning.
An AQI of 441 was recorded at Burari Crossing in Delhi. It reached 437 in Vivek Vihar, 434 in the Delhi Technological University area and 433 in Jahangirpuri. Levels of 417 in Mundka, 409 in Punjabi Bagh and 407 at ITO were recorded. These figures highlighted the serious pollution situation in the capital.
Conditions also worsened in Noida and Ghaziabad. Along with Delhi, pollution increased in nearby cities as well. Around 11 pm on Diwali night, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 360 and Noida 319. In Gurugram, it stood at 280. However, variations were seen in figures recorded at different times. The next day too, air quality remained very poor in several areas of NCR.
PM2.5 emerged as a major cause of pollution. According to experts, fine particles released by firecrackers, vehicular smoke and adverse weather conditions are among the main reasons for the rise in pollution. Fine particles such as PM2.5 can enter deep into the lungs through breathing. Children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems have been advised to take special precautions. Restrictions under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have also been implemented to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
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