Delhi Chokes As Diwali Celebrations Begin: AQI Nears 400, Several Areas In ‘Severe’ Zone

Delhi's air quality deteriorates on Diwali as several neighbourhoods record severe AQI levels despite GRAP Stage III restrictions. (PTI Photo)

Delhi's AQI has worsened on Diwali, with the national capital recording an average of 376 on Sunday, placing it in the 'very poor' category. With fireworks expected to add to the pollution load during evening celebrations, forecasts indicate that the city's air quality could slip into the 'severe' category on Monday.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi's average AQI stood at 374 at 5 pm on Sunday. The situation was considerably worse in several neighbourhoods, with monitoring stations recording readings above 400.

Jahangirpuri emerged as the worst-affected area, recording an AQI of 463, followed by Rohini at 447, North Campus at 444 and Bawana at 442. Alipur, in North Delhi, also recorded an AQI of 419, placing it in the severe category.

The daily average AQI increased from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday, bringing the capital close to the severe threshold of 400.

The deterioration comes as Delhi celebrates Diwali, a festival traditionally associated with fireworks and firecrackers. Their emissions are expected to add to an already heavy pollution burden, raising concerns about a…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi