Delhi and its neighboring areas began the day blanketed in dense smog, as the air quality index (AQI) continued to hover in the ‘very poor’ category despite several anti-pollution measures. According to real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI on Diwali morning was recorded at 328, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. For reference, AQI levels are considered ‘good’ between 0-50, ‘satisfactory’ between 51-100, ‘moderate’ from 101-200, ‘poor’ from 201-300, ‘very poor’ from 301-400, ‘severe’ from 401-450, and ‘severe-plus’ beyond 450.

#WATCH | Delhi: A layer of smog engulfs the Anand Vihar area of the National Capital.

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The Air Quality Index of Anand Vihar is 418 in the 'Severe' category as per the CPCB. pic.twitter.com/zcGVBOarZx

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024

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High AQI Levels in Delhi’s Key Locations

Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, registered an AQI of 419, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Other areas in the capital, including Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Burari, Dwarka, IGI Airport (T3), Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Okhla, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram, Rohini, Vivek Vihar, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, and Wazirpur, reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels as well.

Air Quality Forecast for Upcoming Days

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune anticipates that air quality will remain ‘very poor’ on Thursday and Friday. However, it could potentially worsen to ‘severe’ if firecrackers are used, or if emissions from stubble burning increase. Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather Services explained that Diwali’s pollution levels are expected to rise, as winds have shifted from the south-southeast to the northwest, which could carry additional smoke from stubble burning towards Delhi.

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Impact of Stubble Burning and Diwali on Pollution Levels

Stubble burning in neighboring Haryana and Punjab is often blamed for the seasonal spike in Delhi’s pollution levels. Last year’s Diwali, celebrated on November 12, was noted for its lowest AQI in eight years, with an average AQI of 218.

Strict Measures Enforced in Delhi on Diwali

To curb pollution on Diwali, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the deployment of 377 teams to enforce a ban on firecrackers across the city. Additionally, senior Delhi Police officers have instructed deputy commissioners (DCPs) to form teams to monitor and prevent firecracker use in their respective districts.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Implemented

With air quality reaching hazardous levels in recent weeks, authorities have imposed stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This stage includes restrictions on coal and firewood use, limitations on diesel generator sets, daily mechanical street cleaning, water sprinkling on major roads, and enforced dust control at construction sites.

Additional Measures to Reduce Pollution

To reduce vehicle emissions, additional traffic personnel will be stationed at congested areas, and parking fees will be increased to discourage private vehicles. Public transport options, including buses and metro services, will also see an increase in frequency. Residents are encouraged to rely on public transportation, regularly change vehicle air filters, and refrain from activities that may contribute to dust, such as construction, during the October-to-January period. Moreover, people in Delhi-NCR have been advised to avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.

Also Read: Gujarat: Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple In Gandhinagar To Be Lit With 10,000 Diyas This Diwali