Air Quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘Very Poor’ Category with Air Quality Index (AQI) which stood at 304 on Monday as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. This is the second week in Delhi where AQI has remained in very poor category. Delhi witnessed surge in air pollution level after Dussehra festivities, where AQI in Anand Vihar hit 400 on October 20. Since then there has been no relief for Delhiites. Now, as Diwali is around the corner, the air quality in Delhi has worsened to level that layer of smog is reported in morning hours. This is not a new situation for Delhi; every year the situation worsens specially after Diwali and the national capital becomes gas chamber. While the Delhi Government claims to put its best foot forward to combat rising air pollution levels, the situation rarely changes. This year also, as AQI has already touched very poor mark and even severe at various areas. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) I and Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II have already been enforced but the situation still persists.

Ban On Crackers

Firecrackers were banned in the national capital on October 14. Delhi Pollution Control Committee had issued an order for a complete ban on all kinds of firecrackers on manufacturing, storage and selling including delivery through online marketing platforms and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers upto 01.01.2025 in the territory of NCT of Delhi.

Reasons For Air Pollution in Delhi

There are various causes and factors that contribute to deteriorating air pollution level in Delhi. These include emissions and smoke from vehicles, power plants, factory wastes, airborne particles, agricultural stubble burning etc. Vehicular emission remains the biggest contributor in Delhi’s air pollution level. In addition to this, during the months of October and November, stubble burning becomes another reason for worsened air quality. The stubble burning from neighbouring state like Haryana and Punjab affects Delhi in larger capacity. Therefore, every year, the Delhi government, Haryana Government and Punjab Government are at loggerheads and shift blame to each other.

Also Read: Delhi Imposes Complete Ban On Firecrackers Ahead Of Diwali

What Is AQI?

Air Quality Index is an index used to measure air quality in daily basis. It is a system that measures air pollution level. Air Quality Index (AQI) is one such tool for effective dissemination of air quality information to people. There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.  AQI considers eight pollutants which are PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb). Organisations like CPCB, SAFAR monitor the AQI level in country.

Delhi Government’s Preparedness

On air pollution level in Delhi in coming days particularly after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday that there is a possibility of rise in air pollution level in coming 15 days. Speaking to ANI, Gopal Rai said, “As per environment experts, due to change in weather there is a possibility of a rise in air pollution in the coming 15 days. Looking at this, our focus is on how to control the burning of firecrackers on Diwali. To control pollution, we are starting the ‘Diya Jalao’ campaign to today evening….PM 2.5 is increasing in the air, effects of stubble burning are now increasing now….We are making arrangements that vehicles going to Punjab, Haryana do not enter Delhi…If BJP governments will only raise questions, then who will work?…Few incidents of stubble burning from Narela-Haryana border came to light a week ago, action is being taken. Bio-decomposer is being used for stubble in Delhi.”

‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi’ Says Delhi Environment Minister

He even launched ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign and urged people to avoid firecrackers to keep pollution in check in the national capital. He started this campaign by lighting diyas at Babarpus Bus Terminal.

Rai had called the next fifteen days as crucial to tackle air pollution on October 27. He said, “Keeping in view the level of pollution right now, the next 15 days will be quite crucial for the whole of North India.”

About the efforts post Diwali, Rai said, “In the next 15 days, our effort from the government is to speed up all pollution control activities.” He informed about the joint meeting held with the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministers and the ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. These governments have been requested to monitor the next 15 days.

Along with the government, Rai stressed that people will also have to be active. The incidents of stubble burning are decreasing, but it needs to be controlled in the next 15 days with close monitoring. “Diwali is about to come and the smoke created by firecrackers needs to be controlled. Everyone needs to stop their vehicles at red lights for at least the next 15 days. Use public transport as much as possible. I request all the people of Delhi that if you see a fire anywhere, download ‘Green Delhi’ App and post a photo of it so that action can be taken,” added Rai.

#WATCH | On air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "…As per environment experts, due to change in weather there is a possibility of a rise in air pollution in the coming 15 days. Looking at this, our focus is on how to control the… pic.twitter.com/VNAf1NgexD

— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2024

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Enforces GRAP-II As AQI Surpasses 300: What’s Banned, What’s Allowed