After Diwali, a significant breach in air purity was recorded across the nation. From the national capital, Delhi, to the economic hub, Mumbai, air quality deteriorated considerably. Delhi's air quality index (AQI) consistently remained in the 'very poor' category, with the latest data indicating an AQI of 354. On Tuesday morning, Delhi's AQI surpassed 500. Out of 35 AQI monitors in Delhi, 32 recorded AQI levels above 300. After Diwali, Bawana witnessed the highest pollution levels with an AQI of 427. Kolkata and Howrah saw a swift decline in air quality during the night of Kali Puja.
Source: aajtak
According to CPCB data, 32 of Delhi's 35 AQI meters recorded levels exceeding 300. Bawana, with an AQI of 427, stood as Delhi's most polluted region. Jahangirpuri (407), Wazirpur (408), Bawana (427), and Burari (402) fell into the 'severe' category (above 401). Anand Vihar had an AQI of 360. AQI levels ranging from 301 to 400 are considered 'very poor'.
Environmental experts noted that the air quality in Kolkata and Howrah sharply deteriorated due to fireworks beyond the permissible hours on Kali Puja night. An official from WBPCB reported that AQI in Belur, Howrah, reached 364 by 10 PM, while in Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, PM 2.5 levels surged to 186.
Breach of Supreme Court Orders
The Supreme Court had permitted the use of green fireworks in Delhi-NCR between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali, celebrated on Monday. However, many ignored the directives, continuing celebrations late into the night.
Air Quality Concerns in Bengal...
In the Howrah district, AQI in Padmapukur was recorded at 361, while it surpassed 252 in Ghushuri. In Kolkata, AQI levels were 173 in Ballygunge and 169 in Jadavpur. In Raviindra Bharati University (Sinthi) area, AQI escalated to 167. According to the agency, environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh emphasized the use of loud fireworks in northern and southern parts of Kolkata and Howrah.
Deteriorating Conditions Across Other Regions...
Beyond Delhi, several major Indian cities faced poor air quality conditions.
Mumbai (214), Patna (224), Jaipur (231), and Lucknow (222) were categorized as 'poor', while Bengaluru (94) was 'satisfactory' and Hyderabad (107), Chennai (153) were 'moderate'.
Despite the allowance of only 'green fireworks', the anticipated rise in pollution post-Diwali prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
