Air Pollution: Despite Ban On Fireworks, Delhi's Air Quality Reaches 'Severe' Category

People in Delhi celebrated Diwali with excessive fireworks. People woke up to a thick blanket of smog shrouding the skies. Many people here have complained of itchy throat and watery eyes.

(File Photo)

Air Pollution: Despite the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, people were seen celebrating Diwali by bursting crackers everywhere. After Diwali, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the 'Serious' category. The particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentration was recorded at 655.07 in Janpath on Friday morning. On Thursday, the share of stubble burning to Delhi's pollution level increased to 25 per cent, the highest ever this season.

Thick blanket of fog engulfs Delhi skies

In the morning, people woke up to a thick blanket of fog engulfing Delhi's skies. Many people here have complained of itchy throat and watery eyes. Despite the Delhi government's ban on firecrackers, many people were seen bursting crackers on the streets during Diwali.

According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the capital's last 24-hour average AQI reached 382 on Thursday, up from 314 on Wednesday. The 24-hour average AQI on Tuesday was 303 and on Monday was 281. According to SAFAR, stubble burning share may increase to 35 per cent on Friday and 40 per cent on Saturday. Northwesterly winds can bring smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi. According to SAFAR, relief is expected only from the evening of November 7.

AQI 'severe' between 401 and 500

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. Areas in Delhi and Noida saw a blanket of smog in the city.