Delhi and its surrounding areas woke up to a thick layer of smog on Diwali morning, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the "very poor" category despite measures to combat pollution. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 328 on Diwali morning, falling under the "very poor" category.
Despite the "very poor" air quality, Delhi authorities enforced a ban on firecrackers across the national capital on Diwali. 377 teams were deployed to ensure compliance, with Delhi Police setting up dedicated teams in each district to enforce the ban.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune predicted that the air quality would remain in the "very poor" category on Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of reaching the severe category if there were additional emissions from firecrackers, stubble burning, or waste fires.
Stubble burning, or farm fires, in neighboring Haryana and Punjab, especially during the post-harvest season of October and November, is often blamed for the rise in pollution levels in Delhi. This practice releases large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to the poor air quality in Delhi.
The hazardous air quality in Delhi has prompted authorities to activate stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage imposes restrictions on the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator sets in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi residents are advised to use public transportation, minimize private vehicle use, replace air filters regularly, avoid dust-generating construction activities, and refrain from open burning of solid waste and biomass. These measures are essential to mitigate the impact of pollution on public health.
Ask anything...