Summary of Blanket Of Smog Covers Delhi, Air Quality 'Very Poor' On Diwali

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    Delhi Pollution Diwali Firecrackers Air Quality Index

    Smog Engulfs Delhi on Diwali

    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.

    • An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus.
    • Anand Vihar, one of the 40 monitoring stations in Delhi, recorded a severe AQI of 419.

    Firecracker Ban Enforced in Delhi

    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.

    • Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the importance of enforcing the firecracker ban.
    • The ban aimed to prevent the further deterioration of air quality, already significantly impacted by other sources of pollution.

    Impact of Firecrackers and Stubble Burning

    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.

    • Skymet Weather Services indicated that the wind shift from south-southeast to northwesterly on Diwali could carry smoke from stubble burning into the city, exacerbating the air quality.
    • The combination of firecracker use and the altered wind direction could trap pollutants, further worsening the air quality.

    Stubble Burning Contributes to Pollution

    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.

    • While the firecracker ban aimed to address one source of pollution, stubble burning remains a significant contributor to the worsening air quality.
    • Efforts to mitigate stubble burning are crucial to improving the air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas.

    GRAP Stage Two Activated

    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).

    • Other measures under GRAP stage two include mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, dust control measures at construction and demolition sites, and increased traffic personnel deployment.
    • Public transportation is encouraged, while private vehicle use is discouraged through increased parking fees and additional bus and metro services.

    Public Awareness and Mitigation Strategies

    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.

    • Individual actions can collectively contribute to improving air quality in Delhi.
    • Continued efforts to control air pollution are essential to protect public health and preserve the environment.

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