Delhi air quality hits severe levels at 20 stations on Diwali
Firecracker emissions and heavy smog pushed the city's overall Air Quality Index to 371 on Sunday night.
A thick layer of smog covered Delhi on Sunday night as firecracker smoke pushed air quality into the 'severe' category at 20 monitoring stations, according to The New Indian Express. The city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 371 at 10 pm.
The haze intensified during the evening, reducing visibility and leaving a strong smell of burnt crackers in residential areas and on roads. Residents in several parts of the capital reported experiencing breathing difficulties.
Despite restrictions, fireworks were observed in Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar, Bishambardas Marg, and parts of Lutyens' Delhi. The District Magistrate (East) had previously issued an order permitting green firecrackers only on November 7 and 8 during specific time slots.
Of the 59 monitoring stations recording data at 10 pm, 20 were in the 'severe' category, 33 were 'very poor', and six were 'poor'. Sonia Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 463, followed by Jahangirpuri at 450.
Sonia Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, Okhla, and Rohini remained in the 'severe' category throughout the day. The city's average AQI for the day was 376, which is in the 'very poor' category.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has forecast that Delhi's air quality is likely to drop into the 'severe' category from November 9 and remain at that level for several days.