Morning After Diwali: Delhi' AQI Witness New Spikes
Delhi AQI Today: After inching towards severe air quality before Diwali, Delhi's Air worsens post-festival, many areas cross the 400 mark of 'Severe.'
Delhi woke up to heavy smog on Monday (November 9) morning after Diwali, with the city’s air quality close to the “severe” level. Several areas recorded very high pollution, and the air is expected to worsen further in the coming days.
The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 370 on Monday morning, just below the “severe” category. A thick grey haze covered the capital and reduced visibility, while PM2.5, tiny particles that can enter deep into the lungs, remained the main pollutant.
Severe Air in Many Areas
At 7 am, 15 monitoring stations recorded “severe” air quality, while most others were in the “very poor” category. Jahangirpuri had recorded an AQI of 460 on Sunday evening, according to PTI.
Some parts of Delhi recorded AQI above 400, which falls in the “severe” category. Burari Crossing and Delhi Technological University recorded 437 each, while Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar and Delhi University North Campus also recorded very high levels, according to The Hindu.
Firecrackers Continued Despite Restrictions
Despite restrictions, people burst firecrackers in many parts of Delhi on Diwali night. Residents reported loud bursts in Burari, Pitampura, Mayur Vihar, Jangpura, Rohini and parts of Lutyens’ Delhi.
The Delhi government had allowed only certified green firecrackers at designated places and had restricted their use to certain hours. But reports from several areas suggested the rules were not strictly followed.
Air Worsens Around Delhi
The pollution was not limited to Delhi. In Haryana, Bahadurgarh recorded an AQI of 395, Rohtak 385, Charkhi Dadri 379, Faridabad 342 and Gurugram 328 on Monday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
In Punjab, Jalandhar recorded 330 and Ludhiana 303, both in the “very poor” category. Amritsar recorded 253 and Patiala 201, while Chandigarh recorded 136.
What is Expected Next
The Air Quality Early Warning System has said Delhi’s air quality is likely to enter the “severe” category from Monday and remain poor for the next few days. Experts have reportedly blamed firecracker emissions, vehicle pollution, unfavourable weather and stubble burning in nearby states for the deterioration.
Doctors generally advise children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with asthma, heart disease or lung problems to avoid outdoor activity when the AQI is this high.
