Delhi air quality enters severe category after Diwali celebrations
Thick smog and firecracker emissions pushed the air quality index above 400 in parts of the capital on Monday morning.
Delhi's air quality slipped into the severe category in parts of the capital on Monday, a day after Diwali, according to reports from Mint and The Indian Express. At approximately 4:20 am, the ITO air quality station recorded an AQI of 406, based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
A thick layer of smog engulfed several parts of the city, including the Inderlok area, significantly impairing visibility during the early morning hours. Other areas recording high pollution levels included Sonia Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 463, and Jahangirpuri, which logged 450.
The deterioration occurred while Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was in force across Delhi-NCR. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has forecast that the air quality is likely to remain in the severe category for several days from November 9.
Experts attributed the pollution to unfavourable meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, Diwali celebrations, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The transport sector was expected to contribute 19 per cent to the city's pollution on Sunday, while stubble burning was estimated at 3.5 per cent.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra alleged that a campaign was being organised at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to target the Diwali festival and Sanatan Dharma under the pretext of pollution. Mishra claimed on X that leaders and paid celebrities would be used to run a targeted narrative.