Day after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to 462, poorest in five years: CPCB
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the neighbouring cities of Faridabad (469), Greater Noida (464), Ghaziabad (470), Gurgaon (472) and Noida (475) also recorded 'severe' air pollution levels.
FollowAfter rampant cracker bursting on Diwali despite restrictions, Delhi on Friday recorded its poorest air quality in five years with a deadly cocktail of noxious fumes from firecrackers and stubble burning pushing the 24-average AQI to 462, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Air quality deteriorated in many parts of north and central India post the festival with a rise in stubble burning in neighbouring states compounding the pollution woes.
According to statistics, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) the day after Diwali was 435 last year, 368 in 2019; 390 in 2018; 403 in 2017 and 445 in 2016. The AQI was 382 on Diwali day this year, 414 in 2020; 337 in 2019; 281 in 2018; 319 in 2017 and 431 in 2016.
Delhi-NCR on Friday witnessed A thick layer of acrid smog hung over after residents flouted the ban on firecrackers to celebrate Diwali and emissions from farm fires in the region peaked at 36 per cent. Many residents also complained of an itchy throat and watery eyes on Friday.
Also read: Lowest in 15 years: Delhi reports only 152 fire-related emergency calls during Diwali
Meanwhile, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) chief Dr Randeep Guleria on Friday was quoted news agency ANI as saying, “Pollution has a huge effect on respiratory health especially on ppl with lung diseases, asthma as their disease worsens. Pollution can also lead to more severe cases of Covid. Should wear mask as it'll help in protection from both Covid and pollution.”
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the neighbouring cities of Faridabad (469), Greater Noida (464), Ghaziabad (470), Gurgaon (472) and Noida (475) also recorded 'severe' air pollution levels.
The Delhi government ahead of the festive season had announced a complete ban on firecrackers till January 1, 2022 and ran an aggressive campaign against their sale and use. The Haryana government too had imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 of its districts in the National Capital Region. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government only allowed green crackers for only two hours in areas with moderate or better air quality.
