Delhi's air quality nears severe mark hours after Diwali

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) estimated that the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on Friday morning was 386. AQI between 301 and 400 is considered 'very poor' and between 401 and 500 is rated as 'severe'.

Since Tuesday, the AQI in Delhi had been in the 'very poor' category, even as experts warned it could worsen in the days after Diwali.

Despite the Delhi government's ban on firecrackers, the skies over the city were heavy with smoke as people burst crackers from early evening. People from several parts of the city and its suburbs complained of itchy throats and watery eyes, as a layer of smog, the first episode this season, enveloped the environment.

Residents of Lajpat Nagar in South Delhi, Burari in North Delhi, Paschim Vihar in West Delhi and Shahdara in East Delhi reported incidents of firecracker bursting as early as 7pm, despite the blanket ban in the national capital till January 1.

Early on Friday morning, the air quality in the Janpath area fell to the 'hazardous' category, SAFAR's monitors showed as concentration of particulate matter increased.

In addition to the effect of firecrackers, experts have warned unfavourable wind conditions and stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states would exacerbate the pollution. As per SAFAR model forecasts, the stubble burning share may increase to 35 per cent on Friday and 40 per cent on Saturday, with the wind direction changing to northwesterly. Northwesterly winds carry smoke from farm fires in Punjab and Haryana towards the national capital.

“Relief is expected only from the evening of November 7 but AQI will fluctuate within 'very poor' range,” the air quality forecast agency said.