Delhi and Bhubaneswar record poor air quality after Diwali celebrations
Air pollution levels rose in several major Indian cities following Diwali festivities, with Delhi recording its highest post-Diwali AQI since 2021.
Air quality in Delhi and Bhubaneswar deteriorated following Diwali celebrations, according to reports from Deccan Herald and Urban Acres. On Monday, Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 at 10 am, which The Federal noted was the highest for a post-Diwali day since 2021.
In Delhi, the AQI reached 376 on Sunday. The city's air quality was forecast to turn 'severe' on Monday due to festive emissions, vehicular activity, and stubble burning. The worst reading in the capital was 463 at Jahangirpuri, while Delhi Technological University recorded 439.
Bhubaneswar also saw a decline in air quality, recording an average AQI of 206 at 11.30 am on Monday. Officials attributed this to firecracker use, noting that bursting continued late into the night despite the government-permitted window of 7 pm to 9 pm for green crackers.
Niranjan Mallick, chief environmental scientist at the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, expressed concern regarding the impact of rising pollution on children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. In Odisha, Talcher recorded the highest AQI at 281, while Bileipada recorded 258.
Other cities showed varying levels of pollution. Chennai's AQI was 206, placing it in the 'poor' category, while Mumbai recorded 170. Bengaluru recorded the lowest city-level AQI among the five cities at 124, and Kolkata stood at 169.