Despite SC ban on sale of firecrackers, Delhi's air quality remains Hazardous

Despite Supreme Court ban on sale of firecrackers this Diwali, the pollution due to firecrackers on Thursday night has started showing adverse effects on Friday morning.

Pollutant levels violate safe limits

The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city is glowing red, indicating 'very poor' air quality as the volume of ultra fine particulates are PM2.5 and PM10. However, a ‘very poor' air quality index essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air.

Delhi’s RK Puram at 978 on Air Quality Index

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) RK Puram monitoring station recorded recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. Though the cracker-bursting was relatively subdued in Delhi, in the neighbouring regions of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad crackers were burst as usual.

Smog starts to form in Delhi

The capital is suffering from smog-like conditions today. The Environment Pollution Control Authority has cautioned that weather and traffic jams could aid pollutants to hang in the air, resulting in hazy air. It has advised the use of cars only if necessary at this time to curb emissions.

SC ban on sale of firecrackers during this Diwali

Earlier on October 9, the Supreme Court had banned the sale of firecrackers during this Diwali to see effects of its suspension in the light of the severe pollution and smog-like conditions prevalent in Delhi during this period.

Photo courtesy: ANI/Twitter

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