Delhi faces severe air pollution as AQI hits 371 on Diwali
Many reported smelling smog and firecracker smoke in the air as celebrations gathered pace across the city
Delhi's air quality worsened significantly on Diwali, recording an AQI of 371 in the very poor category with multiple monitoring stations crossing into severe pollution levels due to firecracker emissions, vehicular traffic, and stubble burning
Delhi's air quality worsened significantly on Diwali, recording an AQI of 371 in the very poor category with multiple monitoring stations crossing into severe pollution levels due to firecracker emissions, vehicular traffic, and stubble burning
Delhi's air quality worsened significantly on Diwali, recording an AQI of 371 in the very poor category with multiple monitoring stations crossing into severe pollution levels due to firecracker emissions, vehicular traffic, and stubble burning
Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate on Diwali, with the worsening air quality raising concerns among residents, and several monitoring stations across the city recording severe pollution levels.
The national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, placing Delhi in the 'very poor' category. Many netizens also reported smelling smog and firecracker smoke in the air as celebrations gathered pace across the city.
Of the 59 monitoring stations that recorded data at 7 pm, 19 were in the 'severe' category, seven in the 'poor' and the remaining 33 in the 'very poor'. The worst AQI was recorded at Jahangirpuri at 460.
As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good', 51 and 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 as 'moderate', 201 and 300 as 'poor', 301 and 400 as 'very poor', and 401 and 500 as 'severe'.
Why is Delhi's AQI rising?
Firecracker emissions during Diwali celebrations have added to the existing pollution burden, while vehicular emissions and peak stubble-burning season continue to contribute to poor air quality in the city.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has also informed that the air quality in the city is likely to remain in the 'severe' category from November 9 for the next few days.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said that, on special occasions, rose water will be mixed with the water normally used for mist spraying to control air pollution in the city. In a Facebook post, Paul said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has regularly been spraying water mist at various locations across the city, particularly in areas where the AQI is relatively high.