Delhi AQI Skyrockets To 65 Times WHO Safe Limit Post-Diwali

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has continued to decline, exceeding the 500 mark on Sunday, two days after Diwali.

The pollution levels in the national capital now fall into the alarming 'hazardous' category as of 7 am, posing serious health risks to residents of Delhi and surrounding areas.

Photo Credit: PTI

A dense layer of smog has blanketed the city, with the AQI reaching 507, making the PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR over 65 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit, as per data from the IQAir website.

The AQI measures the quality of air in a region, with levels considered 'poor' between 200 and 300, 'very poor' from 301 to 400, 'severe' between 401 and 450, and above 450 is categorised as "severe-plus," indicating severe health risks to residents.
Delhi AQI rises by more than 150 points in 12 hours

Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI surged from 327 to 507 within just 12 hours. At 9 pm on Saturday, most areas in Delhi reported an AQI of 327.

Neighbourhoods such as Alipur, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aaya Nagar, Bawana, Burari, Mathura Road, IGI Airport, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Patparganj, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Wazirpur, Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar, and Najafgarh were among those registering "very poor" air quality, as indicated by the Sameer app, which provides hourly updates of the National AQI released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Delhi's air pollution and Diwali

On Friday, the day following Diwali celebrations, air quality across the capital was recorded in the 'very poor' category, according to the CPCB. Most areas in the city registered an AQI over 350, sparking health concerns among residents.

A recent survey by 'LocalCircles' found that many Delhi residents struggled with breathing difficulties due to the rise in pollution from firecracker smoke.

Of the 21,000 respondents from Delhi and nearby NCR regions, 69 per cent reported that at least one family member suffered from respiratory issues like sore throats and coughs, while 62 per cent experienced eye irritation due to the poor air quality.
GRAP-II already in effect in Delhi-NCR

Despite efforts to combat pollution, including the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR, the air quality has continued to worsen.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the enactment of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR on October 21 after the region's overall AQI reached the 'Very Poor' category.