Post-Diwali, Delhi witnessed a dramatic spike in pollution levels, causing severe concern once again. According to CPCB data, the city's 24-hour average pollution index surged to 359.
The weather in Delhi has turned hazy due to fireworks. In many areas, the PM2.5 levels have soared multiple times above the defined limits. On Friday morning at 6 AM, the AQI levels in areas such as Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, Ashok Vihar, and Okhla ranged between 350 and 400.
AQI Levels by 6 AM in Various Areas
According to the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), by 6 AM, air quality indices at different locations in Delhi were extremely poor.
Alipur recorded 350, Anand Vihar 396, Ashok Vihar 384, Aya Nagar 352, Bawana 388, Chandni Chowk 336, Dilshad Garden 257, North Campus 390, Punjabi Bagh 391, Sonia Vihar 392, Aurobindo Marg 312, Najafgarh 329, Narela 288, Jawaharlal Nehru 340, Lodhi Road 352, Dwarka 349, Burari Crossing 394, and IGI Airport recorded 375.
Source: aajtak
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Pollution Increased Up to 30 Times
Following the fireworks on Diwali night, pollution levels at many monitoring stations in NCR (National Capital Region) soared to hazardous levels around midnight. Although the PM2.5 and PM10 levels significantly dropped after 1 AM, they remain at a severe level.
Source: aajtak
In Vivek Vihar, levels reached 1800 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 30 times above the standard limit. In Nehru Nagar and Patparganj, at around midnight, the levels recorded were approximately 1500 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly 25 times above the standard for PM2.5.
Source: aajtak
On Diwali night, Delhi's fire department received a total of 318 fire-related calls. These calls, received from October 31 onwards, included all miscellaneous categories. As per the fire department, vehicles were dispatched to address each call.
Preparations Made to Curtail Fireworks in Delhi
On Diwali evening, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced that 377 teams were formed to enforce the fireworks ban in the capital. He mentioned that officials are raising awareness by engaging with Resident Welfare Associations, Market Associations, and social organizations to ensure the prohibition is followed.
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Air Quality Continually Deteriorating
Post-Dussehra, Delhi's air has remained poisonous. The AQI continues to fall under the poor category, although there were slight improvements in the past two days. However, the predicted spike during Diwali became a reality, with fireworks severely compromising the air quality in Delhi once again.
