Delhi air quality reaches severe levels on Diwali morning
The national capital recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 483 on Sunday morning as several areas reported severe pollution.
Delhi residents woke up to hazardous air on Sunday, November 8, as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 483 at 8:10 am, according to reports from ANI and Scroll. The pollution levels placed the capital in the severe category, with several monitoring stations recording readings above 400.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday as a precautionary measure. Under Stage III, restrictions include a halt to construction activities and stricter vehicle regulations.
Various areas recorded severe pollution levels, including Punjabi Bagh at 449, RK Puram at 448, and Bawana at 446. Other areas in the severe category included Rohini, IIT Delhi, and Alipur. Other parts of the city, such as Anand Vihar and the area around India Gate, were categorised as very poor.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi Directorate of Education directed government and private schools to conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode starting November 7. This arrangement allows students to attend classes either physically or online.
The worsening air quality follows the onset of winter and coincides with the lighting of firecrackers during Diwali. While the Supreme Court has allowed the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days, Scroll reported that vendors continue to sell regular firecrackers.