Ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality on Tuesday was recorded in the 'poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 268, a decrease from 304 noted a day earlier. As part of efforts to curb pollution, 377 teams have been deployed across the national capital to enforce a ban on firecrackers. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced that 19,005 kg of firecrackers have been seized in raids so far, with 79 cases filed against violators.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour AQI was measured at 268 at 4 pm, down from the 'very poor' status recorded on Monday. Experts have indicated that fluctuations in wind speed have led to varying pollution levels in recent days. The improvement in air quality on Tuesday has been attributed to easterly winds, which helped prevent stubble burning smoke from reaching the capital. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services remarked that despite moderate winds in the afternoon, their calming later in the day contributed to the improved air quality.
Over the past week, the city's AQI had fluctuated, falling into the 'very poor' category on Sunday after being 'poor' on Friday and Saturday. Out of 40 monitoring stations, 36 reported data, with eight stations—including Anand Vihar, Alipur, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, and Vivek Vihar—remaining in the 'very poor' category. Nearby areas, including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida, displayed slightly better but still 'poor' air quality, while Faridabad reported a 'moderate' AQI of 164.
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Delhi Pollution: Environment Minister Gopal Rai Says 19,005 Kg Of Firecrackers Seized 79 Cases Filed Against Violators
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Tuesday that 19,005 kg of firecrackers have been confiscated during raids across the city, with 79 cases filed against violators to date. During a meeting with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and city police to assess enforcement measures ahead of Diwali on October 31, Rai stated that 377 teams have been mobilised to uphold the firecracker ban throughout the national capital.
Of these teams, 300 are from the Delhi Police, while 77 belong to the Revenue Department. Rai confirmed that these teams have successfully seized 19,005 kg of firecrackers. Additionally, he noted that 79 cases pertaining to the sale and storage of firecrackers have been registered.
To foster public cooperation, the Delhi Police have been directed to engage with Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, and religious groups. In line with this effort, a campaign titled “Diya Jalao, Patakha Nahi” has been launched to raise awareness about the firecracker ban, which will be active until Diwali. The Delhi government has implemented a comprehensive ban on the sale and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, anticipating a decline in air quality during the winter months.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi's air quality is classified 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). According to CPCB data, PM10 and PM2.5 are the prominent pollutants in Delhi, with the PM2.5 level recorded at 105 micrograms per cubic metre at 4 pm. These fine particulate matters can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, triggering various health issues, including asthma and bronchitis.
On Sunday, vehicular emissions accounted for approximately 15.7% of Delhi's pollution, and this is expected to rise to about 16% over the next two days. Other significant contributors include farm fires, with 219 incidents reported in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 72 in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.
As pollution continues to affect Delhi, temperatures remain unusually high, with a maximum of 35.8 degrees Celsius recorded—five degrees above normal. In comparison, last year’s temperatures during this period were around 30 degrees Celsius. The weather department has predicted a clear sky in the city on Wednesday, with minimum and maximum temperatures expected to settle around 20 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, respectively.