New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi-NCR has worsened following Diwali celebrations, with Saturday morning AQI data reflecting alarmingly high pollution levels across the region. According to real-time readings, key areas such as Anand Vihar (AQI 382), Sirifort (305), and IMD Lodhi Road (373) were recorded in the “Very Poor” category, while Noida and Shahadara saw AQI levels at 240 and 218, respectively. The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app reported an average AQI of 298 for Delhi as of 6am on Saturday.
This year’s post-Diwali pollution spike, exacerbated by factors such as stubble burning from neighboring states, road dust, and vehicular emissions, has raised concerns among environmental experts. Areas like Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar have been identified as critical zones, with AQI levels surpassing 300. Overall, Delhi’s air quality remains in a precarious state, with pollutants heavily concentrated due to seasonal factors and the added effect of Diwali fireworks.
Pollution could worsen over the next two weeks
Despite favourable weather conditions on Friday, including winds of up to 16 km/h and slightly warmer temperatures, the pollution reduction was short-lived, with levels quickly climbing overnight into Saturday. Data indicated that AQI peaked at 362 around 9am on Friday but dropped slightly by noon before increasing again in the evening. Experts forecast that pollution could worsen over the next two weeks as winter inversion sets in, trapping pollutants close to the ground.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, announced a city-wide water sprinkling initiative targeting dust suppression in pollution hotspots. Two mobile water sprinklers have been deployed in each of Delhi’s 70 constituencies, along with anti-smog guns to mitigate airborne particles. Rai commended residents for reducing firecracker usage this year and urged continued efforts to control pollution sources.
Authorities in Delhi are also seeking cooperation from neighboring states to manage stubble burning. Environmental experts from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) caution that the current pollution levels indicate a high impact from local and regional sources, with the contribution of farm fires now increasing daily.
