Delhi air quality hits very poor category on Monday morning
The capital recorded an AQI of 366 on Monday morning as firecracker emissions added to existing pollution levels.
Delhi woke up to very poor air quality on Monday, one day after Diwali celebrations, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 366 by 6:15 am. According to the Hindustan Times, firecracker emissions contributed to the deteriorating conditions in the national capital.
Several areas in the city recorded severe air quality levels on Monday morning. Sonia Vihar saw the highest AQI at 449, while Burari Crossing and Vivek Vihar recorded 445 and 441 respectively. Other locations in the severe category included Jahangirpuri at 439, North Campus (DU) at 437, and Rohini at 435.
The city's average AQI was 376 on Sunday, which was an increase from 369 on Saturday. On Diwali night, the average PM2.5 concentration rose from 190 µg/m³ at 7:45 pm to 259 µg/m³ by 8:00 pm, according to an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) records by the Hindustan Times.
The transport sector was identified by the Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi as the largest contributor to pollution on Sunday, accounting for 19 per cent. Stubble burning contributed an estimated 3.5 per cent, with a forecast of approximately 2.99 per cent for Monday.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the severe category for several days starting from November 9.