On Diwali night, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the “very poor” category, signaling a concerning deterioration in air quality despite the use of green firecrackers during celebrations. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall AQI of 345 at 6 pm.
The situation was dire across the capital, with 34 out of 38 monitoring stations indicating pollution levels in the ‘red zone’ on Monday. This signifies ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ air quality conditions throughout the national capital region.
Experts predict further worsening of pollution levels in the coming hours due to continued firecracker use and unfavorable meteorological conditions. Reports also suggest violations of firecracker sale and purchase regulations in some parts of the city, exacerbating the problem.
GRAP Stage II Measures Implemented
In response to the escalating pollution, Delhi-NCR has put Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 2) into effect. These measures aim to curb air pollution, which includes stricter enforcement on diesel generator usage, restrictions on non-compliant interstate buses entering Delhi, and increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.
Some monitoring stations even recorded pollution levels categorized as “severe”.
Air Quality Index Readings Across Delhi
By Monday morning, a majority of monitoring stations registered AQI values above 300. Key areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur reported AQI exceeding 400, indicating extremely polluted conditions.
At 6 am, Anand Vihar had the highest AQI at 414, while Sri Aurobindo Marg remained the least polluted at 158. By 10 am, Wazirpur’s AQI reached 419, followed closely by Anand Vihar at 411. Sri Aurobindo Marg maintained its status as the least polluted, with an AQI of 168.
Precautionary Measures and Supreme Court Guidelines
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced GRAP Stage II restrictions, building upon the Stage I measures that began on October 14.
The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers during Diwali, with specific time restrictions. Their use is allowed between 6 am to 7 pm and 8 am to 10 pm on Diwali and the preceding day, a measure that may have contributed to the observed AQI spike.
Delhi’s weather also played a role, with the maximum temperature reaching 33.3°C, slightly above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature settled at 20.6°C, which is 2.2 degrees higher than normal, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s AQI reached ‘very poor’ levels on Diwali night.
- 34 out of 38 monitoring stations reported pollution in the ‘red zone’.
- GRAP Stage II measures are now in effect to combat rising pollution.
- Green firecrackers were permitted within specific time slots.
- Delhi’s weather conditions contributed to the air quality dip.