Delhi's Air Quality Index Plummets To Very Poor Levels Amid Diwali Celebrations

Delhi's air quality saw a drastic decline on Diwali, with the AQI hitting 345. Despite green firecracker usage and pollution control measures, levels remained severe, urging authorities to take action for improvement.

On Diwali night, Delhi's air quality took a significant hit, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping into the "very poor" category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall AQI of 345 at 6 pm, raising concerns about the capital's deteriorating air quality. Despite using green firecrackers, pollution levels remained alarmingly high.

Delhi-NCR celebrated Diwali amid toxic air conditions, with anti-pollution measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 2) in effect since Sunday evening. This plan was implemented to combat rising pollution levels during the festival. However, many monitoring stations still recorded "severe" pollution levels.

Pollution Levels Across Monitoring Stations

On Monday morning, most monitoring stations in Delhi reported AQI readings above 300. Anand Vihar and Wazirpur were particularly affected, with AQI levels surpassing 400. At 6 am, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 414, while Sri Aurobindo Marg had the lowest at 158. By 10 am, Wazirpur's AQI reached 419, followed by Anand Vihar at 411.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP Stage II restrictions to curb pollution following Stage I measures from October 14. Key steps include stricter enforcement on diesel generator use and limiting non-compliant interstate buses in Delhi. Additionally, parking fees have been increased to discourage private vehicle use.

Impact of Weather and Firecracker Use

The Supreme Court permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali under specific conditions. Their use was allowed within set hours—6 am to 7 pm and 8 am to 10 pm—on the day before Diwali and on the festival day itself. This may have contributed to the spike in AQI levels.

Delhi's weather also played a role in intensifying pollution levels on Diwali. According to the India Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature reached 33.3°C, slightly above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature settled at 20.6°C, which is 2.2 degrees higher than normal.

Future Concerns and Violations

The air quality is expected to worsen further due to ongoing firecracker usage and unfavourable meteorological conditions. Violations regarding firecracker sales and purchases have also been reported in parts of Delhi, exacerbating the situation.

Noida experienced similar issues ahead of Diwali as skyscrapers were enveloped in thick smog on October 17, reducing visibility across the region. Rising pollution levels have worsened air quality throughout Delhi-NCR.

As Delhi grapples with these challenges, authorities continue to enforce measures aimed at reducing pollution during this festive season.