Delhi air quality deteriorates on Diwali as severe pollution hits several areas
The capital's Air Quality Index reached 483 on Sunday morning with 19 monitoring stations reporting severe levels.
Delhi recorded a sharp decline in air quality on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 483 at 8:10 am, according to The Federal. The city's air quality was in the 'very poor' category on Sunday evening with an AQI of 371, the Times of India reported.
Data from 59 monitoring stations showed that 19 stations recorded 'severe' pollution levels by 7 pm on Sunday. Jahangirpuri was the most polluted area with an AQI of 460, according to the Times of India. Other areas in the 'severe' category included Punjabi Bagh at 449, RK Puram at 448, and Bawana at 446, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The deterioration occurred after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday. This measure covers Delhi and adjoining districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The Times of India reported that firecracker emissions, vehicular exhaust, and stubble burning contributed to the pollution. The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi estimated the transport sector's contribution at 19 per cent, while stubble burning was estimated at 3.5 per cent on Sunday.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has forecast that pollution levels may enter the 'severe' category starting November 9 and persist for several days. Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya noted that while wind speeds might increase on November 6 and 7 to help disperse smog, they could weaken again between November 8 and 13 due to a western disturbance.