Delhi air quality worsens as AQI rises ahead of Diwali
The capital's average air quality index increased by 78 per cent over a week, while the ITO area reached the very poor category.
Delhi's air pollution levels have increased significantly leading up to Diwali, with the average air quality index (AQI) rising 78 per cent to 293 from 165 a week ago, according to a Moneycontrol analysis. On Monday, the AQI in the ITO area climbed to 349, placing it in the very poor category, as reported by News18 citing the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The deterioration follows a brief period of better air quality last week caused by rainfall and strong winds. On Sunday, the city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261, which was the highest since April 17. In Jahangirpuri, the AQI reached 378 on Sunday, while Rohini and Punjabi Bagh recorded 352 and 351 respectively.
The rise in pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) was also seen in other cities. Ghaziabad's average AQI rose 94 per cent to 258, and Noida's AQI increased 87 per cent to 289. Greater Noida saw an 86 per cent rise to 259, while Gurugram's AQI went up 41 per cent to 214.5.
Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya noted that calm winds and northwesterly air movement are allowing emissions to remain trapped in the atmosphere. The Decision Support System for air quality management in Delhi stated that the contribution of stubble burning rose to 18.57 per cent on Sunday from 5.33 per cent on Saturday.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast that Delhi's air quality will remain in the poor category on Monday and Tuesday, with a possible move to very poor by Wednesday.