Delhi and surrounding areas woke up today blanketed in heavy smog, with air quality still in the “very poor” range despite multiple anti-pollution measures. According to real-time data from SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), the Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) measured on Diwali morning was 328, categorized as “very poor.”
The AQI scale is divided as follows: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” 401-450 “severe,” and anything above 450 falls into the “severe-plus” range.
In Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s 40 AQI monitoring stations, levels reached 419, placing it in the “severe” category.
Delhi Air Quality Drops to Severe Levels Amid Diwali
In Delhi’s Anand Vihar, air quality dropped into the “severe” category on Diwali morning, and pollution levels are anticipated to rise further by Thursday evening. Authorities have announced strict enforcement against any firecracker ban violations.
Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 307 by 4 p.m., up from 268 on Tuesday, with PM10 remaining the main pollutant, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, projected that Delhi air quality will likely stay in the “very poor” category (AQI 300-400) on Thursday and Friday.
At 8 a.m., the AQI at Anand Vihar averaged 419, peaking at 500. While AQI levels in most areas across Delhi remained between “poor” and “very poor,” additional emissions from firecrackers, crop stubble, or waste fires during Diwali could push air quality into the “severe” category.
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Delhi Air Quality Across Various Locations
The Delhi air quality continues to deteriorate, with several areas recording AQI levels in the “very poor” to “severe” categories, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- Anand Vihar: AQI 418 (Severe)
- Jahangirpuri: AQI 396 (Very Poor)
- Wazirpur: AQI 394 (Very Poor)
- RK Puram: AQI 385 (Very Poor)
- Punjabi Bagh: AQI 371 (Very Poor)
- Ashok Vihar: AQI 367 (Very Poor)
- Shadipur: AQI 365 (Very Poor)
- Rohini: AQI 358 (Very Poor)
- Nehru Nagar: AQI 355 (Very Poor)
- Patparganj: AQI 355 (Very Poor)
- Dwarka Sector 8: AQI 355 (Very Poor)
- Vivek Vihar: AQI 354 (Very Poor)
- Sonia Vihar: AQI 324 (Very Poor)
- Pusa: AQI 311 (Very Poor)
- Alipur: AQI 305 (Very Poor)
- Narela: AQI 305 (Very Poor)
- Chandni Chowk: AQI 304 (Very Poor)
- IGI Airport (T3): AQI 301 (Very Poor)
The worsening Delhi air quality poses a significant health risk, with Anand Vihar and other high AQI areas experiencing hazardous pollution levels.
Strict Anti-Pollution Measures in Delhi for Diwali
To control pollution on Diwali, Delhi has deployed 377 teams to strictly enforce the firecracker ban, according to Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai. Police deputy commissioners have also formed dedicated teams in each district to ensure compliance.
The capital has faced hazardous air quality for weeks, leading to the activation of stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under this stage, restrictions include:
- Ban on Coal and Firewood: The use of coal, firewood, and diesel generators is restricted across Delhi-NCR.
- Enhanced Dust Control: Mechanical sweeping, daily water sprinkling on identified roads, and strict dust control at construction sites.
- Traffic Management: Additional traffic personnel at congested points, increased parking fees to reduce private vehicle use, and more bus and metro services.
Authorities urge residents to use public transport, minimize personal vehicle use, replace vehicle air filters regularly, and halt dust-generating activities from October to January. Open burning of waste and biomass is also prohibited across Delhi-NCR to help curb pollution levels.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the current Delhi air quality level?
Ans. The Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi is currently categorized as “very poor” and “severe,” with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 418.
Q.2. What measures are being taken to control pollution in Delhi?
Ans. Authorities have deployed 377 teams to enforce the firecracker ban and implemented stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on coal and firewood use.
Q.3. How is the AQI measured, and what do the categories mean?
Ans. The AQI is measured on a scale from 0 to over 450, with categories ranging from “good” (0-50) to “severe-plus” (over 450), indicating varying levels of air quality.
Q.4. What areas are most affected by poor Delhi air quality?
Ans. Areas like Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur are experiencing high pollution levels, with AQI readings in the “very poor” and “severe” categories.
Q.5. What can residents do to help improve air quality?
Ans. Residents are advised to use public transport, minimize the use of personal vehicles, avoid open burning of waste, and refrain from dust-generating activities from October to January.
