Delhi AQI hits 483 on Diwali as several areas record severe pollution
The city's overall air quality index reached the severe category on Sunday morning, marking a sharp deterioration from Saturday.
Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 483 at 8:10 am on Sunday, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported by The Federal. The reading places the city's air quality in the 'severe' category on the morning of Diwali.
The pollution levels showed a sharp deterioration from Saturday morning, when the city's AQI stood at 364 at 8 am, which was in the 'very poor' category. A thick layer of haze and poor visibility were observed in several parts of the capital as winter began to set in.
At least eight monitoring stations recorded 'severe' air quality. Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 449, followed by RK Puram at 448 and Bawana at 446. IIT Delhi and Rohini both recorded 445, while Patparganj registered 421, Chandni Chowk 420, and Alipur 413.
Other areas remained in the 'very poor' category. Narela recorded an AQI of 395, India Gate 398, Akshardham Temple 336, and Anand Vihar 328.
The deterioration follows the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday. This emergency framework, which covers Delhi and adjoining districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is implemented by the CAQM in coordination with the CPCB and state governments.