Delhi air quality plunged to alarming levels on Diwali evening, with 34 out of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution in the ‘red zone,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 345 on Monday from 326 on Sunday, marking a sharp rise in pollution and placing the capital firmly in the ‘very poor’ category.
Four areas reported ‘severe’ air quality with AQI readings above 400. Wazirpur recorded the worst level at 423, followed by Dwarka at 417, Ashok Vihar at 404, and Anand Vihar at 404. Around 30 other stations registered AQI levels above 300, showing widespread deterioration in air quality across Delhi.
Officials have warned that pollution levels could worsen further, slipping into the ‘severe’ range over the next two days. Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) indicated that transport contributed 15.6% of Delhi’s pollution on Monday, while industrial and other sources made up 23.3%.
In response to the rising pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Stage III, corresponding to ‘severe’ air quality, may be activated if conditions continue to deteriorate.
Earlier, on October 15, the Supreme Court had permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 6 am and 7 pm, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali eve and Diwali day. However, despite these restrictions, pollution levels spiked following celebrations, pushing the capital’s air quality to dangerous levels once again.
Preventive Measures
Health experts have urged residents to take preventive measures as pollution levels rise. People are advised to stay indoors during early mornings and late evenings when smog concentration is highest, use N95 or N99 masks when stepping out, and keep air purifiers running indoors. Those with respiratory or heart problems, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and should avoid outdoor activities. Increasing fluid intake, eating antioxidant-rich foods, and using saline nasal sprays can also help reduce the effects of pollution.
With air quality expected to worsen in the coming days, authorities and citizens alike face another difficult post-Diwali battle against toxic air.
Writer/Editor: Vaishali Verma