Diwali aftermath: Air quality improves slightly but pollution threats persist

After residents of national capital woke up to toxic smog as aftermath of Diwali and defying ban on crackers, the air quality index has lightly improved as wind speed spiked. 

According to the Central Pollution Control board, the AQI in Anand Vihar area was recorded 385 falling into 'very poor' category plunging into 'severe' category posing serious respiratory conditions.

Following spike in stubble burning cases, many areas of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh recorded AQI in 'very poor' category. Many unfavourable meteorological conditions such as vehicular emission, stubble burning, Diwali crackers plunged national capital's pollution levels to grave levels. The city was shrouded in toxic gray smog a day after Diwali. Since 2017, the Delhi government and several other states have prohibited the sale and use of firecrackers, encouraging residents to choose more sustainable alternatives, such as eco-friendly firecrackers and light shows. However, this regulation is frequently ignored, and firecrackers remain readily available at roadside stands and shops.

In spite of slight improvement in air quality, the threat pertaining to air pollution persists as the cases of farm fires are expected to rise in upcoming fifteen days as farmers are preparing to clear the field for wheat sowing.

Area-wise average AQI in Delhi at 11am:

Anand Vihar: 385 (PM2.5 pollutant)

Ashok Vihar: 383 (PM10 pollutant)

Burari Crossing: 382 (PM2.5 pollutant)

Chandni Chowk: 333 (PM10 pollutant)

Dwarka-Sector 8: 369 (PM2.5 pollutant)

IGI Airport (T3): 369 (PM2.5 pollutant)

Jahangirpuri: 385 (PM2.5 pollutant)

Mundka: 367 (PM2.5 pollutant)

RK Puram: 391 (PM2.5 pollutant)