Delhi air quality hits severe levels before Diwali
Pollution levels in the capital rose to 482 in some areas five days after a period of cleaner air.
Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Thursday, November 5, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 370 at 8 am. According to Firstpost, this follows a period on October 30 when the AQI touched 60. The current readings place the capital in the 'very poor' category, with several neighbourhoods entering the 'severe' category.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) reported that Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI of 459. The Indian Express reported that at least 12 monitoring stations recorded levels above 400. Other areas in the 'severe' category included Punjabi Bagh at 448, Narela at 434, Alipur at 433, and Rohini at 432.
Scientists from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that Cyclone Arnab had previously helped disperse pollutants through rain and wind. However, as the weather system moved, wind patterns shifted north-west, bringing smoke from Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi-NCR. A senior CPCB official told ThePrint that recent rain prevented some farmers from harvesting in October, which may lead to a rush of stubble fires.
Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) indicated that stubble burning accounted for 20.2 per cent of Delhi's pollution on Wednesday, November 4. Transport emissions were the next largest contributor at 15.5 per cent. Other sources included residential sectors at 3.8 per cent, industries at 2.9 per cent, and construction at 2.2 per cent.
