New Delhi air quality enters severe zone after Diwali firecrackers
Smog and high particulate matter blanket the capital as AQI levels exceed 400 in several areas.
Heavy smog blanketed New Delhi on Monday morning following Diwali celebrations on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. The air quality index (AQI) exceeded 350 in several parts of the capital, a level categorised as severe by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended exposure thresholds.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the ITO air quality station recorded an AQI of 406 at 4:20 am on Monday, Mint reported. Other areas also saw high levels, with Rajiv Chowk recording 381 at 1:30 am and South Extension logging 360 at 4:00 am.
Despite restrictions, residents used firecrackers in areas including Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar, and parts of Lutyens' Delhi on Sunday evening, Mint reported. Sonia Vihar recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 463, followed by Jahangirpuri at 450.
The Supreme Court had previously implemented restrictions to limit pollution, allowing only approved green firecrackers during specific three-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday, Al Jazeera reported. The District Magistrate (East) had permitted bursting these crackers only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on November 7 and 8.
The pollution issue is exacerbated during winter by cooler temperatures and low wind speeds, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Vehicles account for 23 per cent of New Delhi’s winter pollution, while biomass burning contributes 20 per cent, Al Jazeera reported.