Delhi Chokes On Diwali Morning As AQI Crosses Danger Mark (Image: X/Subhankar Bera)
Residents of the national capital woke up to a heavy, suffocating blanket of grey smog this morning as the city’s air quality plunged into the “severe” zone on the festival of Diwali.
By 8:10 Am, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a staggering citywide average of 483, and it marks a dangerous ten-year low for the festive day.
The crisis is a direct result of a toxic combination of weather conditions and human activity.
Despite clear orders from the Supreme Court limiting firecrackers to specific windows and permitting only eco-friendly varieties, intense firecracker bursting was reported across several neighbourhoods late Saturday night.
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This created a rapid, noticeable build-up of smoke that could not escape due to incredibly slow wind speeds.
Adding to the local pollution, farm fires in neighbouring states have peaked this week, with over 589 stubble-burning incidents reported in a single day, sending plumes of smoke straight into the Delhi bowl.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that 24 out of 54 monitoring stations registered air quality in the dreaded “severe” category.
Hardest hit areas include Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh, both hitting an alarming 450, closely followed by RK Puram and IIT Delhi at nearly 448.
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In a bid to control the damage, authorities have immediately implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under these emergency measures, all non-essential construction work across the region has been stopped.
A strict ban has also been placed on older, high-emission vehicles, specifically BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars. Schools have been advised to shift primary classes online to protect young children from the toxic air.
Medical experts are advising everyone, especially the elderly and those with breathing difficulties, to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear N95 masks if they must step out.
Weather officials warn that pollution levels could peak even higher by Monday morning.
