Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Thursday, three days after the city celebrated Diwali, with several areas recording hazardous pollution levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 428, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Other areas, including Akshardham (350) and India Gate (353), were classified as ‘very poor’.
Dense Smog Shrouds the City
On 22nd October, Delhi was enveloped in dense smog, with the CPCB recording an average AQI of 345, also categorised as ‘very poor’. Early morning readings in Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and Dilshad Garden reached 380. Meanwhile, parts of the city such as DTU, IGI Airport, and Lodhi Road remained in the ‘poor’ category, with AQI levels below 300.
Multiple Areas in ‘Severe’ Category
On 21st October, four monitoring stations—Dwarka (417), Wazirpur (423), Anand Vihar (404), and Ashok Vihar (404)—entered the ‘severe’ pollution category, according to the SAMEER app developed by the CPCB. The city’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 345, higher than Sunday’s 326, signaling a steady rise in pollution levels.
Authorities Activate Graded Response Measures
As reported by TOI, authorities have activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, following forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), warning that pollution levels may worsen in the coming days.
Sources of Pollution
According to the Decision Support System (DSS), transport emissions accounted for 15.6% of Delhi’s pollution on Monday, while industries and other sources contributed 23.3%. Residents reported experiencing breathing difficulties and eye irritation due to the deteriorating air quality.
Public Reaction and Firecracker Impact
Local residents expressed frustration at rising pollution levels. “Pollution hasn’t just increased today; it’s been rising for years,” said Sagar, a Delhi resident. “Everyone blames politicians, but people themselves are responsible. Firecrackers are a choice — then people complain the government isn’t doing anything.”
Visuals on Tuesday showed the Akshardham area partially obscured by haze. The Supreme Court recently permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 6am and 7pm, and again from 8pm to 10pm on Diwali eve and the festival day.
Understanding the AQI
The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows:
- Good: 0–50
- Satisfactory: 51–100
- Moderate: 101–200
- Poor: 201–300
- Very Poor: 301–400
Severe: 401–500