Delhi's Air Quality Worsens To ‘Very Poor’ Category On Diwali Morning, AQI Touches 334

Firecrackers will not be the major source to the worsening air quality as it is expected to be under control, it is stubble burning that may have impact since it may pick up from Thursday

New Delhi: After a spell of cleanest air in almost fours years, residents of the national capital woke up to an air quality of “very poor” category on Diwali morning, and recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 334 at 7am on Thursday. The AQI on Thursday climbed to 334, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, as per the Hindustand Times report.

The average AQI was a bit better at 314 on Wednesday which is considered in the “very poor” category. New Delhi’s AQI is expected to cross 350 and be at the higher end of the “very poor” category later on Thursday, weather agencies predicted.

"Overall air quality in Delhi in the next 24 hrs is expected to  remain in 'very poor' category. Smog was visible for the first time today. We'll be specially monitoring the air quality on 4 & 5 Nov. On 6 & 7 Nov, wind speed will pick up," said RK Jenamani, senior scientist at IMD.

The bursting of firecrackers will not be a major source to the worsening air quality since it is expected to be under control, it is stubble burning that may have an impact as it may pick up from Thursday.

Its contribution to the AQI is expected to range from 20-40 until Saturday. An increase in wind speed may give New Delhi welcome relief from Friday night onwards, with winds of 20-30 km/hr likely on Saturday and Sunday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

CPCB data has shown New Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali on October 31, 2016 when the AQI had touched 431, which falls in the “severe” category.

In 2020, despite a blanket ban on firecrackers, an AQI of 414 - “severe” – was recorded, making it the second most polluted Diwali in six years. It was celebrated on November 14 when the impact of stubble burning was at its peak.

Air pollution in the national capital typically worsens in October and November due to farmers burning stubble in neighbouring states, unfavourable wind speed and emission of fumes by the local traffic in the city. Firecrackers add to the woes further. In September, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee had banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers up to January 1, 2022.