Delhi chokes after Diwali celebrations; Anand Vihar AQI touches 969
Air pollution across Delhi-NCR: Images showed a thick haze blanketing roads in Delhi, making it difficult to see beyond a few hundred metres.
New Delhi: Just two days after the relief caused by the rains, a dense smog again engulfed the national capital and the NCR region on Monday morning. This revival followed people’s fireworks display on Diwali night, ignoring the Supreme Court’s ban order. Images shared by news agency ANI show a thick haze covering every part of the city, severely reducing visibility to just a few hundred meters. The Supreme Court’s ban on the use of barium and certain chemicals in fireworks applies not only to the NCR but to the entire country.
Air Pollution in Delhi: Best Air
The national capital witnessed the best air quality in eight years on the morning of Diwali day. People woke up to clear skies and the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 202 at 7am, the best in at least three weeks.
Air pollution in Delhi: People ignore ban on fireworks
Even after the ban on fireworks, people burst firecrackers, making for a hazy morning on Monday. The AQI also reached alarming numbers this morning.
The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on fireworks. In response to the pollution crisis, the government even adopted the concept of ‘artificial rain’ to tackle the city’s polluted air, until a sudden downpour provided significant relief and reduced pollution levels.
Air pollution in Delhi: AQI in different areas
At 5.30 am on Monday, Delhi’s air quality index stood at 514, surpassing the 320 mark on the air quality index, which was classified as “hazardous” by Swiss group IQAir. According to IQAir’s assessment, Delhi on Monday holds the unenviable position of being the most polluted city in the world.
Anand Vihar reported the highest level of air pollution, with the AQI reaching 969 (hazardous) at 5 a.m., according to aqicn.org.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an average AQI of 289 at 5 am even as PM2.5 levels shot up and touched the 500 mark. Similarly, RK Puram recorded an AQI of 281 at 5 am with PM2.5 being the major pollutant reaching the 500 mark. The city’s PM2.5 concentration has been measured at 20 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. This prompted the city council to mandate the closure of all primary classrooms and restrict access for trucks.
Noida, Gurugram Air Pollution
According to CPCB data, the AQI in Noida clocked at 269 (poor) in sector 62. But the PM2.5 levels touched the 500 mark.
In Gurugram, the overall AQI was 329 (very poor) while PM2.5 levels were close to 500.
Air Pollution in Delhi: CPCB Forecast
Notably, in 2023, between November 2 and 9, the national capital experienced the longest and most severe streak of air pollution, with an AQI above 390 for eight consecutive days.
AQI is expected to remain in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category for the six days after November 14.
Air pollution in Delhi: health advice
Amid rising air pollution levels, Delhi’s health department has issued an advisory to address the impact of this environmental problem. The advice underlines the importance of taking essential measures to protect public health, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, persons with underlying medical conditions, children and the elderly.
Air Pollution in Delhi: GRAP 4 Regulations
To combat pollution and ensure compliance with anti-pollution measures, police are inspecting trucks carrying non-essential goods at various borders, including Ghazipur and Tikri borders, as part of GRAP 4 regulations.
As per Delhi’s air pollution control strategy (GRAP Stage IV), only CNG, electric and BS VI compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter the city, excluding those engaged in essential services.
Air pollution in Delhi: artificial rain
The Delhi government is gearing up for a round of artificial rain in the city on November 20 and 21 to ease the suffering of residents who have been facing a sharp decline in air quality over the past week.
Air pollution in Delhi: reason behind deteriorating air quality
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated over the past week due to falling temperatures, stagnant winds limiting the spread of pollution, and an increase in post-harvest stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Air Pollution in Delhi: Weather Conditions, Stubble Burning Primary Reasons
Adverse meteorological conditions, along with firecracker emissions, stubble burning and local sources of pollution, combine to push air quality in Delhi-NCR to dangerous levels during the winter season. According to news agency ANI, more than 2,500 cases of stubble burning have been reported this year.