Delhi air quality hits very poor category after Diwali celebrations
The capital recorded an average AQI of 366 on Monday morning as firecracker emissions and smog impacted visibility.
Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category at 6:15 am on Monday, with the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 366. According to reports from Hindustan Times and India TV, the deterioration follows Diwali celebrations, with firecracker smoke contributing to the pollution levels.
Several areas in the capital entered the 'severe' category, which is defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as an AQI between 401 and 500. Sonia Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 449, while other locations such as Burari Crossing, Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Rohini also reported levels above 400.
The city's average AQI had been 376 on Sunday and 369 on Saturday. On Sunday, PM2.5 was the main pollutant, with the transport sector responsible for 19 per cent of the pollution and stubble burning contributing 3.5 per cent, according to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi.
In response to the worsening conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that diesel vehicles meeting BS-IV standards or lower and petrol vehicles meeting BS-III standards or lower are no longer permitted to operate in the city.
Additionally, all government and private schools in Delhi have been directed to follow a hybrid mode for students up to class 5. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has forecast that air quality may remain in the 'severe' category for several days starting November 9.