On Diwali morning, the air quality in Anand Vihar, Delhi, deteriorated into the “severe” category, with pollution levels expected to rise further on Thursday evening. Authorities have announced strict measures against those violating the firecracker ban.
As of 4 PM, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 307, up from 268 on Tuesday, with PM10 being the primary pollutant, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune predicts that air quality in the national capital will remain in the “very poor” range (AQI 300 to 400) on Thursday and Friday.
At 8 AM, Anand Vihar’s average AQI for PM10 was recorded at 419, peaking at 500. While many areas in Delhi showed AQI levels between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor,’ additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning could push air quality into the severe category in those regions.
The Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management indicates that if stubble burning occurs at levels similar to previous years, it could account for 15-18% of Delhi’s pollution during this period. Additionally, northwesterly winds may carry smoke into the city.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi’s air quality is categorized into four stages:
- Stage I – Poor (AQI 201-300)
- Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
- Stage III – Severe (AQI 401-450)
- Stage IV – Severe Plus (AQI above 450)
Area-Wise Average AQI in Delhi Today:
- Anand Vihar: 419
- Ashok Vihar: 368
- Burari Crossing: 353
- Chandni Chowk: 301
- DTU: 281
- Dwarka-Sector 8: 359
- IGI Airport (T3): 303
- ITO: 306
- Jahangirpuri: 395
- Lodhi Road: 259
- Mundka: 367
- Najafgarh: 281
- Narela: 303
- North Campus, DU: 334
- Patparganj: 350
- Punjabi Bagh: 369
- RK Puram: 384
- Rohini: 357
- Wazirpur: 396
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal defended the firecracker ban, stating it is crucial for public health and asserting that there is no “Hindu-Muslim” angle to the issue. “Even the Supreme Court and high court have advised against bursting crackers due to pollution, encouraging the use of earthen lamps instead,” he said.
Enforcement Measures: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that 377 teams have been formed to enforce the firecracker ban across the city. Authorities are collaborating with resident welfare associations, market groups, and social organizations to raise awareness.
A senior Delhi Police officer indicated that all deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have been instructed to establish dedicated teams to monitor compliance in their districts.
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather Services warned that pollution levels are expected to rise on Diwali due to changing wind patterns, which may bring smoke from stubble burning into the city. “If firecrackers are used, the altered wind direction could trap pollutants, further deteriorating air quality,” he noted.
Despite efforts, Anand Vihar and Mundka reported severe AQI levels above 400. Other areas, such as Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Burari, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Nehru Nagar, North Campus, and Vivek Vihar, fell into the “very poor” category.
In neighboring regions like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Greater Noida, and Noida, air quality remained ‘poor,’ while Faridabad reported a “moderate” AQI of 181.
Last year, on November 12, Delhi celebrated Diwali with its best air quality in eight years, achieving an average AQI of 218. PM10, particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers or less, poses significant health risks, including respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.
