Delhi's air quality 'very poor' on Diwali eve; pollution likely to rise

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) is recorded at 307 at 4 pm, up from 268 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board

PTI

New Delhi, Updated At : 09:41 PM Oct 30, 2024 IST

A view of the Humayun Tomb in New Delhi, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. A thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital on Wednesday morning as the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category. (PTI Photo)

Delhi's air quality slipped into the "very poor" category on the eve of Diwali, with pollution levels expected to go up on Thursday, even as authorities said strict action would be taken against those violating the firecracker ban.

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 307 at 4 pm, up from 268 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, said the air quality in the national capital is likely to be in the "very poor" category (AQI 300 to 400) on Thursday and Friday.

The air quality may also reach the severe category on these two days in case of additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble or waste fires.

According to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management, if stubble-burning occurs at levels similar to those in the last five years, it could contribute 15-18 per cent to Delhi's pollution on these dates. This is exacerbated by winds from the northwest, which may carry smoke into the city.

Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR during winter, the air quality is categorised into four stages: Stage I -- "Poor" (AQI 201-300), Stage II -- "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400), Stage III -- "Severe" (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV -- "Severe Plus" (AQI above 450).

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers across the national capital. He said authorities are in touch with resident welfare associations (RWAs), market associations and social organisations to spread awareness.

A senior Delhi Police officer said all deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have been asked to form dedicated teams to ensure that firecrackers are not burst in their respective districts.