Delhi’s pollution levels further deteriorate ahead of Diwali

New Delhi: Delhi’s air pollution levels further deteriorated ahead of Diwali; the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) turned 278 by 9 am on Wednesday; the previous day it was recorded 268. The air quality of the national capital is in the ‘poor category’ despite the implementation of GRAP 2, and in spite of the Delhi government’s round-the-clock efforts, things have not improved.

Currently, the city’s AQI has been remaining around 201-300, which is considered poor. As per the air quality standards, AQI levels from 301–400 are labeled’very poor,’ and levels above 400 are categorized as’severe.’’ In this condition, an alarming button has been pressed for the people to monitor their health, and schools and offices may be asked to be closed.

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The Central Pollution Control Board mentioned in a report that eight of Delhi’s 36 air monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur, recorded’very poor’ air quality. The temperature of Delhi hasn’t settled down yet; its minimum temperature was at 21°C, which is about five degrees above normal at this time, and the maximum temperature is around 36°C.

In fact, the air quality of Gurgaon is expected to improve on Diwali as per SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research). However, there is some respite for the people of Noida, as its AQI is likely to remain 209.